Pristimantis koki
Species of frog
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pristimantis koki, the Guyanan black-rumped landfrog, is a species of frog in the family Strabomantidae. It is endemic to the Guiana Highlands of west-central Guyana, where it is currently known only from the Wokomung Massif in the Potaro-Siparuni district. The species was formally described in 2023 and is a member of the Pristimantis unistrigatus species group.[1][2]
| Pristimantis koki | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Strabomantidae |
| Genus: | Pristimantis |
| Species: | P. koki |
| Binomial name | |
| Pristimantis koki Means, Heinicke, Hedges, MacCulloch & Lathrop, 2023 | |
Description
Pristimantis koki is a small terrestrial frog. Adult males measure approximately 12–14 mm (0.47–0.55 in) in snout–vent length, while adult females measure approximately 16–20 mm (0.63–0.79 in).[1]
A diagnostic feature of the species is the presence of conspicuous black pigmentation surrounding the cloacal region, bordered by lighter coloration.[1] When handled, individuals have been reported to emit volatile organic compounds that can produce a mild numbing sensation on the human tongue.[1]
Taxonomic history
The species was described by D. Bruce Means, Matthew P. Heinicke, S. Blair Hedges, Ross D. MacCulloch, and Amy Lathrop in 2023 as part of a taxonomic review of high-elevation Pristimantis frogs from the Wokomung Massif in Guyana.[1] Pristimantis koki was assigned to the P. unistrigatus species group, a diverse assemblage of terrestrial direct-developing frogs distributed throughout northern South America and Central America.[1] Phylogenetic comparisons identified Pristimantis kalamandeenae as its closest known relative.[3]
Distribution and habitat
The species is known only from the Wokomung Massif in the Pakaraima Mountains of Guyana and is presumed to be endemic to this region.[1] It inhabits montane cloud forest at elevations from 1,000 to 1,600 m (3,300 to 5,200 ft), where individuals have been observed on fallen logs, sticks, and low vegetation within the forest understory.[1]
Ecology and behaviour
Like other members of the genus Pristimantis, P. koki exhibits direct development, in which eggs develop directly into miniature froglets without a free-living tadpole stage.[3][failed verification]
Etymology
The specific name koki honours Belgian evolutionary biologist Philippe J. R. Kok, in recognition of his contributions to the study of amphibian diversity in the Guiana Shield.[1]
