Uncovering hidden specific diversity of Andean glassfrogs of theCentrolene buckleyispecies complex (Anura: Centrolenidae)

Abstract

The glassfrog Centrolene buckleyi has been recognized as a species complex. Herein, using coalescence-based species delimitation methods, we evaluate the specific diversity within this taxon. Four coalescence approaches (generalized mixed Yule coalescents, Bayesian general mixed Yule-coalescent, Poisson tree processes, and Bayesian Poisson tree processes) were consistent with the delimitation results, identifying four lineages within what is currently recognized as C. buckleyi. We propose three new candidate species that should be tested with nuclear markers, morphological, and behavioral data. In the meantime, for conservation purposes, candidate species should be considered evolutionary significant units, in light of observed population crashes in the C. buckleyi species complex. Finally, our results support the validity of C. venezuelense, formerly considered as a subspecies of C. buckleyi.

Satellite DNA Mapping in Pseudis fusca (Hylidae, Pseudinae) Provides New Insights into Sex Chromosome Evolution in Paradoxical Frogs

“…Fouquet et al [ 38 ] proposed that a genetic distance higher than 3% in the 16Sar-16Sbr fragment could be enough to suggest the presence of unnamed species in the studied sample, and using this approach, the authors identified 129 candidate species among neotropical anurans. Although this threshold should be taken with caution, since several species have been recognized with lower genetic distance values [ 46 , 47 ], it has been helpful in several cases. The genetic divergences estimated here between the Carlos Chagas–MG population and the other specimens of Pseudis fusca from both the 16Sar-16Sbr fragment and the H1 fragment are much higher than 3%, and may indicate that the individuals from Carlos Chagas–MG represent an undescribed species.…”

Glassfrogs of Ecuador: Diversity, Evolution, and Conservation

“…Both localities are on the western versant of the Andes of Ecuador, on the slopes of the Cordillera Occidental. Because Centrolene buckleyi represents a species complex [20,98] (Figure 24), we here designate a neotype for Centrolene buckleyi (KU 202770, adult female) collected from Laguna de Cuicocha (near the syntype locality of Intac = Intag), thereby allowing clear comparisons among populations that might represent independent lineages. The morphological characteristics of the neotype fully correspond to those mentioned by Boulenger [93] in the original description of the species.…”

“…Call (Figure 28): Two descriptions of the call of Centrolene buckleyi are available in the literature [20,100]. The differences between these calls, combined with the non-monophyly of C. buckleyi (Figure 24), clearly show that Centrolene buckleyi, as currently recognized, represents a species complex [20,98]. Below we describe a call from the highlands of Ecuador (MZUTI 763; see Examined Specimens); although the call presented herein is not from the neotype locality, genetically, it clusters together with samples from the type locality; thus, apparently corresponding to the same species.…”

“…Taxonomic Remarks: Centrolene buckleyi is a species complex that requires formal subdivision [20,98]. Moreover, morphologically, Centrolene buckleyi is almost identical to four Andean species, namely C. altitudinalis, C. venezuelensis (Venezuela), Centrolene hesperia, and C. lemniscata (Peru).…”

Strong differentiation between amphibian communities on two adjacent mountains in the Upper Rio Pastaza watershed of Ecuador, with descriptions of two new species of terrestrial frogs

“…According to a photograph, the specimen may be associated with the C. buckleyi species group ( Yánez et al 2010 ). Previous analyses of the group’s phylogenetic relationships show a high cryptic diversity in the species complex ( Amador et al 2018 ). Therefore, this could correspond to a potentially new species, though additional collections and phylogenetic analysis of these populations is necessary to determine its status.…”