The Herpetological Journal

pp. 31-42
Authors: Manzanilla, J.; Jowers, M.J.; La Marca, E. & García-París, M.

Abstract: A new species of dendrobatid frog of the genus Mannophryne is described from Península de Paria, Estado Sucre, Venezuela. The new taxon, closely related to M. trinitatis, an endemic species of Trinidad, was for a long time considered a continental population of this species. External morphology and call characteristics provide taxonomic distinction between the continental and the insular species, while mitochondrial DNA supports a sister taxon relationship between them. The new species differs from the other members of the genus by its small size (mean snout–vent length 21.5 mm in females, 19.4 mm in males), unpigmented and not well-defined collar and reduced foot webbing. Additionally, the new taxon can be distinguished from Mannophryne trinitatis by: 1) dorsal coloration with a well contrasted pattern; 2) pale dorsolateral stripes not well defined; 3) a paler brown pigmentation on palms and soles; 4) diffuse inguinal stripes; 5) dark markings absent along the anterior margins of forelimbs; 6) advertisement call with a single frequency-modulated note; and 7) differences in 16S and COI mtDNA sequences. Comments on natural history, biogeography and conservation status are provided.

Keywords: TAXONOMY, ADVERTISEMENT CALL, MANNOPHRYNE, SUCRE STATE, AMPHIBIA, MTDNA, BIOGEOGRAPHY