New frog species of the genus Pristimantis lacrimosus group (Amphibia: Craugastoridae) of Sangay National Park, Ecuador

Abstract

We describe a new species of terrestrial frog of the genus Pristimantis of medium-size (the SVL of males from 22.18 to 25.13 mm) found in the cloud forests of the eastern foothills of the Sangay National Park, located in the mid-eastern region of Ecuador at an elevation of 2750 meters. We assign the new species Pristimantis latericius sp. nov., to the Pristimantis lacrimosus group, differentiating it from the rest of the members of this group for having prominent tubercles on the upper eyelid and red-orange coloration on its dorsum. Calls are short, one-note, with two harmonic bands. In the last few years in the Sangay National Park, important faunal developments have been made. However further studies are necessary to help document the ecology and natural history of the amphibians, as they will help to understand ecological processes. The discovery of this and other new species in this region demonstrates its biological importance, validating the development of conservation plans in this important World Heritage Site.