Brachycephalus pulex

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Brachycephalus pulex
Brachycephalus pulex IDias 2014 (cropped).jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Clade: Brachycephaloidea
Family: Brachycephalidae
Genus: Brachycephalus
Species:
B. pulex
Binomial name
Brachycephalus pulex
Napoli, Caramaschi, Cruz & Dias, 2011
Mapa de Brachycephalus pulex IUCN.jpg
Geographic distribution of Brachycephalus pulex

Brachycephalus pulex, also known as the Brazilian flea toad and the Serra Bonita flea toad, is a species of small frogs in the family Brachycephalidae. It is one of more than 35 named species within the genus Brachycephalus . [2] It has been suggested to represent the smallest known vertebrate, with an average snout–vent length of 7.10 millimetres (0.280 in) in mature males. [3]

Contents

Discovery

The first Brachycephalus pulex specimens were found between December 2009 and July 2010 in the Serra Bonita mountain range in the Camacan and Pau Brasil municipalities of Bahia, Brazil. The holotype specimen, MNRJ 69646, is an adult specimen. Many other specimens, including juveniles, sub-adults, and adults, were collected and assigned as paratopotypes (paratype specimens found in the holotype locality). In January 2011, Marcelo Felgueiras Napoli, Ulisses Caramaschi, Carlos Alberto Gonçalves da Cruz & Iuri Ribeiro Dias described Brachycephalus pulex as a new species of Brachycephalus based on these specimens. [4]

Etymology

The specific name, "pulex", is also the generic name of the flea, Pulex irritans . This references the tiny size of the species and the comparable ability to jump well. [4] It is also fitting since certain species of Brachycephalus are also known as "flea-toads". Brachycephalus pulex is also known by the common names "Brazilian flea toad" and "Serra Bonita flea toad". [5] [6]

Description

Brachycephalus—along with other related flea-toads—has a leptodactyliform body shape, with a slender pectoral girdle and body, well-developed hind limbs, and a long, narrow head and snout. [7] This is in contrast to the bufoniform body plan of the pumpkin toadlets within the genus Brachycephalus, which have poorly-developed hind limbs and wider heads. [8] [9] Because of its developed hind limbs, Brachycephalus pulex was capable of long-distance jumping. Its describers noted this behavior when observing individuals in natura , when one specimen feigned death after jumping several times and landing on a leaf. [4] Buniform pumpkin toadlets, however, have very poor jumping ability. [10] [11]

The skeletal structure of Brachycephalus pulex is nonhyperossified, meaning that the skull bones and spinal processes of the sacral and presacral vertebral lack sculpturing. [12]

Distribution and conservation

Brachycephalus pulex has only been found in the type locality. It lives in mountainous evergreen subtropical to tropical moist montane forests in the Atlantic Forest biome, ranging from an elevation of 220–930 metres (720–3,050 ft) above sea level. In can most easily be found inhabiting dense leaf litter in areas with epiphytic bromeliads. [4] [1]

There is a low abundance of this species, and populations are decreasing in numbers due to habitat loss. The IUCN listed urban expansion, agriculture, and livestock grazing as the leading causes for habitat loss—and thus declining populations—in this species. [1]

Classification

Brachycephalus pulex is considered to be a "flea-toad", one of the two major subcategories of frogs within the genus Brachycephalus (the other being pumpkin toadlets). Pumpkin toadlets are the more speciose of the two groups, with only four named flea-toad species, which form a paraphyletic group. [13] Brachycephalus, along with Ischnocnema , are the two genera comprising the family Brachycephalidae. The relationships of this clade in relation to other frog families are shown in the cladogram below: [14]

In 2020, Condez, Haddad & Zamudio tested the phylogenetic relationships of Brachycephalus species. In their first analysis, fellow flea-toad Brachycephalus hermogenesi was recovered as the basalmost member of the genus, followed by B. pulex, which was the sister taxon to all other species in the genus. Their second analysis placed B. hermogenesi as the sister taxon to B. pulex, with this clade within one of two major Brachycephalus clades. Their results from this analysis are displayed in the cladogram below, including distinct, unnamed species. Flea-toads are noted in orange. [13]

Brachycephalus

In contrast, dos Reis et al. (2020) also analyzed the phylogenetic relationships of Brachycephalus species, in the context of skull morphology and skeletal ossification. They recovered Brachycephalus pulex as the basalmost member of the genus, as the sister taxon to all other species. [12]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saddleback toad</span> Genus of amphibians

The saddleback toads (Brachycephalus) are a genus of tiny toads and frogs in the family Brachycephalidae in the order Anura, ranging from south Bahia to Santa Catarina in southeastern Brazil. The genus includes two main groups, the often brightly coloured pumpkin toadlets, and the overall brown and more frog-like flea frogs, which once were placed in their own genus Psyllophryne. Some pumpkin toadlets are toxic and their often bright colours are considered aposematic. At about 1 cm (0.4 in) or less in snout–to–vent length, the flea frogs are some of the smallest frogs in the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brachycephalidae</span> Family of amphibians

The Brachycephalidae are a family of frogs confined to eastern and southern Brazil and northern Argentina. The family is composed of two externally quite different genera: the tiny, often colourful and plump saddleback toads (Brachycephalus) from Brazil, and the larger, slimmer and more drab genus Ischnocnema from both Brazil and Argentina. The family is mainly defined by molecular characteristics, and are linked by few anatomical features. It was erected from two genera of the previously large family Eleutherodactylidae, which is now split into four families.

<i>Adelophryne</i> Genus of amphibians

Adelophryne is a genus of frogs in the family Eleutherodactylidae. They are native to northern South America east of the Andes, known roughly from the area corresponding to the Guiana Shield, as well as to the coastal area of Bahia, Brazil. Whether the genus is truly distinct from Phyzelaphryne remains uncertain. Common name shield frogs has been proposed for this genus, although the stem flea frog is used for some species.

<i>Ischnocnema</i> Genus of amphibians

Ischnocnema is a genus of frogs from eastern Brazil and north-eastern Argentina. They comprise the former Eleutherodactylus from this region, but they are closer to Brachycephalus than the "true" Eleutherodactylus. Consequently, they are now placed in their own genus Ischnocnema in the family Brachycephalidae.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pumpkin toadlet</span> Species of amphibian

The pumpkin toadlet, or Spix's saddleback toad, is a small and brightly coloured species of frog in the family Brachycephalidae. This diurnal species is endemic to southeastern Brazil where it is found among leaf litter on the floor of Atlantic rainforests at an altitude of 200–1,250 m (660–4,100 ft). It is found in Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, southeastern São Paulo and southeastern Minas Gerais. Although its type specimen supposedly was collected in Bahia about 200 years ago, there are no confirmed localities in this state and recent reviews consider it more likely that it was from Rio de Janeiro. B. ephippium is locally common, quite widespread compared to most other species of Brachycephalus and it is not considered threatened.

<i>Brachycephalus nodoterga</i> Species of frog

Brachycephalus nodoterga, also known as the Serra Cantareira saddleback toad, is a species of frog in the family Brachycephalidae. It is endemic to the eastern São Paulo state of southeastern Brazil, and only known from five locations in Atlantic rainforest at altitudes of 700–900 m (2,300–3,000 ft).

Brachycephalus pernix is a small and brightly coloured species of frog in the family Brachycephalidae. It is endemic to Paraná in southeastern Brazil and only known from a single location at an altitude of 1,135–1,405 m (3,724–4,610 ft) on Serra da Baitaca in Serra da Baitaca State Park. This diurnal species lives among leaf litter on the floor of Atlantic rainforest.

Brachycephalus ferruginus is a species of frogs in the family Brachycephalidae. It is endemic to southern Brazil and only known from its type locality, Pico Marumbi, in the Serra do Mar in Morretes, Paraná state. Its altitudinal range is 965–1,470 m (3,166–4,823 ft) above sea level.

Brachycephalus pombali is a species of frogs in the family Brachycephalidae. It is endemic to Brazil and only known from its type locality, "Morro dos Padres, Pico da Igreja", in the Serra do Mar in Guaratuba, Paraná state. The type locality is at about 1,300 m (4,300 ft) above sea level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brazilian gold frog</span> Species of amphibian

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<i>Brachycephalus mariaeterezae</i> Species of frog

Brachycephalus mariaeterezae is a species of frog in the family Brachycephalidae. It is very tiny and was one of seven new species described by LF Ribeiro and a team of scientists from the Mater Natura - Instituto de Estudos Ambientais in Brazil. Like all species in its genus, it is found in a very small strip of Atlantic Forest in the southeastern coast of the country, and has a vibrant colour pattern. The speciation seen in this genus is thought to be a byproduct of the rift between the valley versus mountain terrain and its particular microclimates, to which they are adapted. It might be in population decline due to habitat loss. Its name honours Maria Tereza Jorge Pádua, a Brazilian environmentalist.

<i>Brachycephalus olivaceus</i> Species of frog

Brachycephalus olivaceus is a species of frog in the family Brachycephalidae. It is very tiny and was one of seven new species described by LF Ribeiro and a team of scientists from the Mater Natura - Instituto de Estudos Ambientais in Brazil. Like all species in its genus, it is found in a very small strip of Atlantic Forest in the southeastern coast of the country, and has a vibrant colour pattern. The speciation seen in this genus is thought to be a byproduct of the rift between the valley versus mountain terrain and its particular microclimates, to which they are adapted. It might be in population decline due to habitat loss. Its name derives from the Latin olivaceus, "olive-colored", in reference to its coloration.

<i>Brachycephalus auroguttatus</i> Species of frog

Brachycephalus auroguttatus is a species of frog in the family Brachycephalidae. It is very tiny and was one of seven new species described by LF Ribeiro and a team of scientists from the Mater Natura - Instituto de Estudos Ambientais in Brazil. Like all species in its genus, it is found in a very small strip of Atlantic Forest in the southeastern coast of the country, and has a vibrant colour pattern. The speciation seen in this genus is thought to be a byproduct of the rift between the valley versus mountain terrain and its particular microclimates, to which they are adapted. It might be in population decline due to habitat loss. Its name comes from the Latin aurum for "gold" and gutta "drop" or "speck", in reference to golden spots found throughout the skin of this species.

<i>Brachycephalus verrucosus</i> Species of amphibian

Brachycephalus verrucosus is a species of frogs in the family Brachycephalidae. It is very tiny and was one of seven new species described by LF Ribeiro and a team of scientists from the Mater Natura - Instituto de Estudos Ambientais in Brazil. Like all species in its genus, it is found in a very small strip of Atlantic Forest in the southeastern coast of the country, and has a vibrant colour pattern. The speciation seen in this genus is thought to be a byproduct of the rift between the valley versus mountain terrain and its particular microclimates, to which they are adapted. It might be in population decline due to habitat loss. Its name is derived from the Latin verrucosus, "warty" or "rugged", alluding to the frogs highly rugose dorsum.

<i>Brachycephalus fuscolineatus</i> Species of frog

Brachycephalus fuscolineatus is a species of frog in the family Brachycephalidae. It is very tiny and was one of seven new species described by LF Ribeiro and a team of scientists from the Mater Natura - Instituto de Estudos Ambientais in Brazil. Like all species in its genus, it is found in a very small strip of Atlantic Forest in the southeastern coast of the country, and has a vibrant colour pattern. The speciation seen in this genus is thought to be a byproduct of the rift between the valley versus mountain terrain and its particular microclimates, to which they are adapted. It might be in population decline due to habitat loss.

<i>Brachycephalus leopardus</i> Species of frog

Brachycephalus leopardus is a species of frog in the family Brachycephalidae. It is very tiny and was one of seven new species described by Luiz F. Ribeiro and a team of scientists from the Mater Natura — Instituto de Estudos Ambientais in Brazil. Like all species in its genus, it is found in a very small strip of Atlantic Forest in the southeastern coast of the country, and has a vibrant colour pattern. The speciation seen in this genus is thought to be a byproduct of the rift between the valley versus mountain terrain and its particular microclimates, to which they are adapted. It might be in population decline due to habitat loss. Its name derived from the Latin leopardus, referring to the frog's spotted pattern evocative of the felid genus Leopardus.

<i>Brachycephalus boticario</i> Species of frog

Brachycephalus boticario is a species of frog in the family Brachycephalidae. It is very tiny and was one of seven new species described by LF Ribeiro and a team of scientists from the Mater Natura - Instituto de Estudos Ambientais in Brazil. Like all species in its genus, it is found in a very small strip of Atlantic Forest in the southeastern coast of the country, and has a vibrant colour pattern. The speciation seen in this genus is thought to be a byproduct of the rift between the valley versus mountain terrain and its particular microclimates, to which they are adapted. It might be in population decline due to habitat loss. The species name pays homage to the Fundação Grupo Boticário de Proteção à Natureza, which partially funded the fieldwork of the study originally describing the frog.

<i>Brachycephalus pitanga</i> Species of amphibian

Brachycephalus pitanga, the red pumpkin toadlet, is a small and brightly coloured species of anuran in the family Brachycephalidae. It is endemic to Atlantic rainforests in São Paulo state of southeastern Brazil, and only known from four localities at an altitude of 900–1,140 m (2,950–3,740 ft) in Ubatuba and São Luiz do Paraitinga. It can be very common where found, and two of the known localities are protected by the Serra do Mar State Park. Unlike many other pumpkin toadlets, the red pumpkin toadlet is not considered threatened.

<i>Brachycephalus rotenbergae</i> Species of toadlet

Brachycephalus rotenbergae is a species of toadlet in the family Brachycephalidae. It was first described in 2021. The species is found in the forests of the Brazilian state of São Paulo in the south Mantiqueira mountain range and the semidecidual forests.

References

  1. 1 2 3 IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group & Instituto Boitatá de Etnobiologia e Conservação da Fauna (2023). "Flea Toad: Brachycephalus pulex". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2023: e.T45727654A45727657. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2023-1.RLTS.T45727654A45727657.en . Retrieved 25 February 2024.
  2. ↑ Nunes, Ivan; Guimarães, Carla S.; Moura, Pedro Henrique A. G.; Pedrozo, Mariana; Moroti, Matheus de Toledo; Castro, Leandro M.; Stuginski, Daniel R.; Muscat, Edelcio (April 28, 2021). "Hidden by the name: A new fluorescent pumpkin toadlet from the Brachycephalus ephippium group (Anura: Brachycephalidae)". PLOS ONE . 16 (4): e0244812. Bibcode:2021PLoSO..1644812N. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244812 . PMC   8081201 . PMID   33909613.
  3. ↑ Bolaños, Wendy H.; Dias, Iuri Ribeiro; Solé, Mirco (2024-02-07). "Zooming in on amphibians: Which is the smallest vertebrate in the world?". Zoologica Scripta . 53 (4): 414–418. doi:10.1111/zsc.12654. eISSN   1463-6409. ISSN   0300-3256. S2CID   267599475.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Napoli, M.F.; Caramaschi, U.; Cruz, C.A.G.; Dias, I.R. (2011-01-13). "A new species of flea-toad, genus Brachycephalus Fitzinger (Amphibia: Anura: Brachycephalidae), from the Atlantic rainforest of southern Bahia, Brazil". Zootaxa . 2739: 33–40. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.2739.1.3. eISSN   1175-5334. ISSN   1175-5326.
  5. ↑ "Serra Bonita Flea Toad (Brachycephalus pulex)". iNaturalist . Retrieved 2024-02-25.
  6. ↑ Bregel, Sarah. "See the world's tiniest frogs - and why being so small is so hard". BBC . Retrieved 2024-02-25.
  7. ↑ Lyra, Mariana L.; Monteiro, Juliane P. C.; Rancilhac, Loïs; Irisarri, Iker; Künzel, Sven; Sanchez, Eugenia; Condez, Thais H.; Rojas-Padilla, Omar; Solé, Mirco; Toledo, Luís Felipe; Haddad, Célio F. B.; Vences, Miguel (2021-11-19). "Initial Phylotranscriptomic Confirmation of Homoplastic Evolution of the Conspicuous Coloration and Bufoniform Morphology of Pumpkin-Toadlets in the Genus Brachycephalus". Toxins. 13 (11): 816. doi: 10.3390/toxins13110816 . ISSN   2072-6651. PMC   8620806 . PMID   34822600.
  8. ↑ Ribeiro, Luiz F.; Bornschein, Marcos R.; Belmonte-Lopes, Ricardo; Firkowski, Carina R.; Morato, Sergio A. A.; Pie, Marcio R. (2015-06-04). "Seven new microendemic species of Brachycephalus (Anura: Brachycephalidae) from southern Brazil". PeerJ . 3: e1011. doi: 10.7717/peerj.1011 . ISSN   2167-8359. PMC   4458131 . PMID   26056613.
  9. ↑ Folly, Manuella; Vrcibradic, Davor; Siqueira, Carla C.; Rocha, Carlos F. D.; Machado, Alessandra S.; Lopes, Ricardo T.; Jr, José P. Pombal (2022-10-20). "A New Species of Brachycephalus (Anura, Brachycephalidae) from a Montane Atlantic Rainforest of Southeastern Brazil, with a Reappraisal of the Species Groups in the Genus". Ichthyology & Herpetology . 110 (3): 585–601. doi:10.1643/h2020144. ISSN   2766-1512.
  10. ↑ Essner, Richard L.; Pereira, Rudá E. E.; Blackburn, David C.; Singh, Amber L.; Stanley, Edward L.; Moura, Mauricio O.; Confetti, André E.; Pie, Marcio R. (2022-06-17). "Semicircular canal size constrains vestibular function in miniaturized frogs". Science Advances . 8 (24): eabn1104. Bibcode:2022SciA....8N1104E. doi:10.1126/sciadv.abn1104. ISSN   2375-2548. PMC   9200278 . PMID   35704574.
  11. ↑ Rosen, Meghan (2022-06-15). "Here's why pumpkin toadlets are such clumsy jumpers". Science News . Retrieved 2022-09-11.
  12. 1 2 dos Reis, Sérgio F.; Clemente-Carvalho, Rute B. G.; dos Santos, Caio M. S. F. F.; Lopes, Ricardo T.; Von Zuben, Fernando J.; Laborda, Prianda R.; Perez, S. Ivan (2020-10-25). "Skull diversity and evolution in miniaturized amphibians, genus Brachycephalus (Anura: Brachycephalidae)". The Anatomical Record . 304 (6): 1329–1343. doi:10.1002/ar.24554. hdl: 11336/127577 . ISSN   1932-8486. PMID   33099856. S2CID   225073626.
  13. 1 2 Condez, Thais H; Haddad, Célio F B; Zamudio, Kelly R (2020-01-16). "Historical biogeography and multi-trait evolution in miniature toadlets of the genus Brachycephalus (Anura: Brachycephalidae)". Biological Journal of the Linnean Society . 129 (3): 664–686. doi:10.1093/biolinnean/blz200. ISSN   0024-4066.
  14. ↑ Hedges, S. Blair; Duellman, William E.; Heinicke, Matthew P. (2008-03-31). "New World direct-developing frogs (Anura: Terrarana): Molecular phylogeny, classification, biogeography, and conservation". Zootaxa . 1737 (1): 1–182. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.1737.1.1. eISSN   1175-5334. ISSN   1175-5326.
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