Cryptic Species Diversity within the Andes frog Phrynopus juninensis (Shreve, 1938) from Peru
Major
Biology
Second Major
Women's and Gender Studies
Submission Type
Poster
Area of Study or Work
Biology
Faculty Advisor
Edgar Lehr
Location
CNS Atrium
Start Date
4-12-2025 11:15 AM
End Date
4-12-2025 12:15 PM
Abstract
The frog genus Phrynopus resides in Peru's upper montane forest and supra-treeline grasslands. It is characterized by its lack of a tympanum, narrow digits, and usual lack of dentigerous process of vomers. The genus includes 37 distinct species that reproduce with terrestrial eggs. Previous molecular research revealed that the genus Phrynopus contains a new undescribed species previously thought to be Phrynopus juninensis. Phrynopus juninensis is characterized by its large size, strong supratympanic fold, and unique coloration; it is distributed in the Cordillera Oriental in Central Peru between 3420-3850 m in elevation. Its snout-vent length ranges between 22.0 to 30.6 mm in males and 35.0 to 41.3 mm in females. The research data revealed that the undescribed species is distributed at similar high elevations (3600-3850m) in Central Peru to P. juninensis but is most closely related to Phrynopus inti based on molecular phylogenetics. The undescribed species is notably smaller than P. juninensis and differently colored.
Cryptic Species Diversity within the Andes frog Phrynopus juninensis (Shreve, 1938) from Peru
CNS Atrium
The frog genus Phrynopus resides in Peru's upper montane forest and supra-treeline grasslands. It is characterized by its lack of a tympanum, narrow digits, and usual lack of dentigerous process of vomers. The genus includes 37 distinct species that reproduce with terrestrial eggs. Previous molecular research revealed that the genus Phrynopus contains a new undescribed species previously thought to be Phrynopus juninensis. Phrynopus juninensis is characterized by its large size, strong supratympanic fold, and unique coloration; it is distributed in the Cordillera Oriental in Central Peru between 3420-3850 m in elevation. Its snout-vent length ranges between 22.0 to 30.6 mm in males and 35.0 to 41.3 mm in females. The research data revealed that the undescribed species is distributed at similar high elevations (3600-3850m) in Central Peru to P. juninensis but is most closely related to Phrynopus inti based on molecular phylogenetics. The undescribed species is notably smaller than P. juninensis and differently colored.