Pristimantis simoteriscus is a species of frog in the family Strabomantidae. It is endemic to Colombia and occurs in the Cordillera Central[1][3][4] in the Tolima, Quindío,[1][4] and Caldas Departments.[4] There is also an unconfirmed record from the Valle del Cauca Department.[1] The specific name simoteriscus is diminutive of simoterus, chosen because adult P. simoteriscus resemble juvenile individuals of Pristimantis simoterus.[2]
| Pristimantis simoteriscus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Strabomantidae |
| Genus: | Pristimantis |
| Subgenus: | Pristimantis |
| Species: | P. simoteriscus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Pristimantis simoteriscus | |
| Synonyms[3] | |
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Description
editAdult males measure 23–25 mm (0.91–0.98 in) and adult females 26–31 mm (1.0–1.2 in) in snout–vent length. The snout is short and subacuminate in dorsal view, rounded in lateral profile. The tympanum is prominent. Skin of the dorsum has large flattened warts; the venter is coarsely areolate. The fingers and toes bear slightly expanded discs (those of outer fingers are the largest). The toes have lateral fringes but no webbing. The dorsum is pale yellowish-green to reddish brown and may have black dorso-lateral spots. The throat and venter are greenish yellow and have cream or pale brown spots. The iris is bronze with brown flecks and lines.[2]
Habitat and conservation
editPristimantis simoteriscus occurs in sub-páramo and páramo habitats at elevations of 3,350–3,800 m (11,000–12,500 ft) above sea level.[1][4] It is found under rocks, logs, and in the roots of grasses among Espeletia plants. It is an uncommon species that is threatened by habitat loss caused by agriculture activities and cattle grazing, in particular burning of the habitat to facilitate growth of grasses. Its range overlaps with the Las Hermosas National Natural Park.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2017). "Pristimantis simoteriscus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T56966A85885296. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T56966A85885296.en. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
- ^ a b c Lynch, J. D.; Ruíz-Carranza, P. M. & Ardila-Robayo, M. C. (1996). "Three new species of Eleutherodactylus (Amphibia: Leptodactylidae) from high elevations of the Cordillera Central of Colombia". Caldasia. 18 (3): 329–342. N.b. Amphibian Species of the World attributes the species description to errata sheet published in 1997.
- ^ a b Frost, Darrel R. (2022). "Pristimantis simoteriscus (Lynch, Ruiz-Carranza, and Ardila-Robayo, 1997)". Amphibian Species of the World: An Online Reference. Version 6.1. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 1 November 2022.
- ^ a b c d Acosta Galvis, A. R. & Cuentas, D. (2017). "Pristimantis simoteriscus (Lynch, Ruiz & Ardila, 1996)". Lista de los Anfibios de Colombia V.07.2017.0. www.batrachia.com. Retrieved 22 February 2018.