Systematics of the Rhinella margaritifera complex (Anura, Bufonidae) from western Ecuador and Panama with insights in the biogeography of Rhinella alata

摘要: The Rhinellamargaritifera species group consists of 17 toads distributed in tropical and subtropical South America eastern Central America. identity some its is poorly understood there are numerous undescribed cryptic species. Among them, the status one most problematic. Its range includes lowland rainforests separated by Andes, Chocoan rainforest to west Amazonian east. This distribution puzzling because Andes an old formidable barrier gene flow therefore should generate vicariant speciation between disjunct populations. Herein we clarify taxonomy populations complex from Choco region morphological genetic variation was examined 39 Choco, 24 upper Amazon Ecuador, 37 Panama, including holotype Panamanian Rhinellaalata. Phylogenetic analyses were performed based on mitochondrial genes 12S rRNA, 16S cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) nuclear Tyrosinase (Tyr). data show that conspecific. In phylogeny, Panama form a well-supported clade. morphology Rhinellaalata falls within Based all this evidence, assign western Ecuador demonstrate unusual pattern "Rhinellamargaritifera" both sides artifact incorrectly defined boundaries.