# Three new Pristimantis species in the subgenus Huicundomantis (Amphibia: Anura: Strabomantidae) from Reserva Biológica Cerro Plateado, southern Ecuador

## TL;DR

Three new frog species in Ecuador are described, each with unique traits and conservation concerns due to habitat threats.

## Contribution

The discovery and description of three new Pristimantis species with detailed phylogenetic and bioacoustic data.

## Key findings

- Three new Pristimantis species are described from southern Ecuador using molecular, morphological, and bioacoustic data.
- P. melanops is distinguished by a blackish iris with a white circumpupillary ring and pustulate flanks.
- The first advertisement call is documented for a species in the P. cryptomelas group, adding novel bioacoustic data.

## Abstract

We describe three new species of direct-developing frogs of the genus Pristimantis, subgenus Huicundomantis, from the Reserva Biológica Cerro Plateado in southern Ecuador, one of the most biodiverse yet least explored regions of the Cordillera del Cóndor. Combining molecular, morphological, and bioacoustic data, we provide diagnoses and phylogenetic placements for Pristimantis verrucosus sp. nov., P. plateado sp. nov., and P. melanops sp. nov. The first two species are placed within the P. cryptomelas species group, while the third belongs to the P. phoxocephalus group. The new species can be readily distinguished from their local congeners by the following combination of traits: P. verrucosus sp. nov. exhibits a coarsely tuberculate dorsum and flanks, lacks dermal folds or ridges in the occipital/scapular region, has a distinct tympanic annulus and membrane, low cranial crests, Toe V longer than Toe III, and males possess a vocal sac and slits; P. plateado sp. nov. has a silver or light bronze iris, lacks dermal folds or ridges in the occipital/scapular region, a rounded snout in dorsal and lateral views, a distinct tympanic annulus and membrane, Toe V longer than Toe III, and males lack a vocal sac and slits; P. melanops sp. nov. is characterized by a uniquely blackish iris with a white circumpupillary ring and coarsely pustulate flanks. Additionally, we provide the first description of the advertisement call for a species in the P. cryptomelas group, thereby contributing novel bioacoustic data for a clade in which vocalizations were previously unknown. All three species are endemic to a single locality and two exhibit ecological specialization, being bromeliad specialists. Given their extremely restricted distributions and the ongoing threat of habitat degradation from illegal mining activities close to their distribution site, we recommend that all three species be listed as Critically Endangered under IUCN criteria.