Pristimantis minimus is a minute frog from the family Strabomantidae. It is found in the Cordillera del Cóndor at elevations between 1,250–1,685 m (4,101–5,528 ft) asl on either side of the valley of the Rio Nangaritza, in the Zamora-Chinchipe Province of Ecuador.[2] The species is the smallest known frog found in Ecuador to date, and is the smallest in the genus Pristimantis.[3] It is suggested that this miniaturization is an adaptation to resource-poor environments.[1]
| Pristimantis minimus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Strabomantidae |
| Genus: | Pristimantis |
| Species: | P. minimus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Pristimantis minimus Terán-Valdez and Guayasamin, 2010[1]
| |
Description
editMales of Pristimantis minimus grow to a mean size of 12.2 mm (0.48 in) in snout–vent length (range: 9.5–13.7 mm (0.37–0.54 in)). Females are somewhat larger, 15.3–18.9 mm (0.60–0.74 in) in snout–vent length. Dorsum is smooth to slightly shagreen. Finger and toe pads are expanded. Iris is red with thin black reticulation.[1]
Reproduction
editVocalizations by males are unknown, but males have vocal slits and it suggested that they produce soft calls. Clutch size is about three eggs only, but it is probable that this species lays several clutches of eggs during its reproductive season.[1]
Habitat
editThese frogs inhabit the dwarf forests of the Cordillera del Cóndor. Individuals were active during night on vegetation, 25–200 cm above ground.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e Terán-Valdez, A.; Guayasamin, J. M. (2010). "The smallest terrestrial vertebrate of Ecuador: A new frog of the genus Pristimantis (Amphibia: Strabomantidae) from the Cordillera del Cóndor" (PDF). Zootaxa. 2447: 53–68. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.2447.1.2.
- ^ Frost, Darrel R. (2022). "Pristimantis minimus Terán-Valdez and Guayasamin, 2010". Amphibian Species of the World: An Online Reference. Version 6.1. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
- ^ Solar, Igor I. (11 May 2010). "Researchers in Ecuador find minute new species of frog". Digital Journal. Retrieved 29 March 2014.