Taxonomy of the Atelopus ignescens complex (Anura: Bufonidae): Designation of a neotype of Atelopus ignescens and recognition of Atelopus exiguus

Abstract

We review several populations of Atelopus from high altitudes of Ecuador formerly allocated to Atelopus ignescens. For A. ignescens, we designate a neotype and provide data on variation and distribution. Atelopus ignescens is a species restricted to the northern Andes, and it is characterized by the unique presence of a patch of brown spiculae and coni on the gular and pectoral regions of females. We also recognize A. exiguus as a valid species from the Andean highlands of southern Ecuador and describe the lectotype, call, and tadpole. Atelopus exiguus is diagnosed by characters of external morphology and coloration in life. Some specimens of A. exiguus lack Toe I, an unusual feature that deserves further research.