Pristimantis w-nigrum explained

Pristimantis w-nigrum, also known as the Zurucuchu robber frog or w rainfrog, is a species of frog in the family Strabomantidae. It is found on both Pacific and Amazonian slopes of the Andes in Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru.[1] The species is divided to at least eight clades that are genetically highly divergent but morphologically similar; it may be a species complex.[2]

Description

Pristimantis w-nigrum males measure 29mm47mm in snout–vent length and females measure 44mm57mm. Live specimens are easily recognized by a colour pattern of yellow with black markings on the groin, anterior and posterior surfaces of thighs, and concealed shank. Tympanum is distinct.[3]

Habitat

The natural habitats of Pristimantis w-nigrum are cloud forest and sub-páramo, but it occurs also in deforested and disturbed areas. It is a nocturnal species[3] that can be found perched on vegetation up to 3 metres above ground; during the day it can be found on fallen leaves. It is a common species although it has declined in many areas.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Pristimantis w-nigrum (Boettger, 1892) . Frost, Darrel R. . 2022 . Amphibian Species of the World: An Online Reference. Version 6.1 . American Museum of Natural History . 4 November 2022.
  2. 10.1016/j.ympev.2013.08.007. Phylogeography in the northern Andes: Complex history and cryptic diversity in a cloud forest frog, Pristimantis w-nigrum (Craugastoridae). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 69. 3. 417–429. 2013. Kieswetter . C. M. . Schneider . C. J. . 23978627.
  3. Guayasamin . J. M. . Funk . W. C. . 2009 . The amphibian community at Yanayacu Biological Station, Ecuador, with a comparison of vertical microhabitat use among Pristimantis species and the description of a new species of the Pristimantis myersi group . Zootaxa . 2220 . 41–66 . 10.11646/zootaxa.2220.1.2 .