Two pelobatid frogs from the late Miocene of Caucasus (Russia)

Abstract

Disarticulated remains of Pelobatidae are described from the late Miocene (early Turolian, MN 11) of the Volchaya Balka and the Gaverdovsky localities (Northern Caucasus, Russia). The records of both Pelobates and Eopelobates from the Volchaya Balka locality are the first late Miocene and the last doubtless record of their coexistence in the same area. The described Pelobates remains are characterized by a pustular type of cranial sculpture, which was known only in Pliocene–Recent forms. This record documents the appearance of the pustular sculpture in Pelobates as early as late Miocene, at least during the Vallesian-Turolian transition (about 9–8 m.y.).