A new genus and species of brevicipitine frog (amphibia anura microhylidae) from high altitude in the mountains of ethiopia

Abstract

A new genas and species, Balebreviceps hillmani, is described from a forested locality high in the mountains of Ethiopia, where it is isolated, both geographically and ecologically, from related forms in eastern and southern Africa. The new taxon seems most closely allied to Probreviceps Parker 1931, but exhibits a number of morphological characteristics which appear somewhat intermediate between those of Probreviceps and the more specialised genus Breviceps Merrem 1820. It is distinguished from all other brevicipitine microhylids by the presence of posteriorly curved clavicles; the complete absence of middle ear elements; the structure of the palate; the unique position of the outer toe, which is perhaps related to the elongation of the proximal epiphysis of the corresponding metatarsal; and by a striking aposematic colour pattern. There is circumstantial evidence that Balebreviceps resembles Probreviceps and Breviceps in having a terrestrial life cycle, but that fossorial tendencies are perhaps not strongly developed in B. hillmani. © 1989 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.