TWO NEW SPECIES OF FROGS (LEPTODACTYLIDAE: ELEUTHERODACTYLUS) FROM THE HIGH ANDES OF NORTHERN ECUADOR

We describe two new species of Eleutherodactylus that are hypothesized to belong to the E. orcesi Group. Both species are found in Andean habitats of northern Ecuador at elevations above 3000 m. The presence of an anteriorly exposed frontoparietal fontanelle distinguishes the two new species from most other members of the genus, in which the frontoparietal fontanelle is covered by frontoparietal bones. Additionally, both species have fingers and toes with fleshy lateral fringes, and vomerine teeth reduced or absent. The new species differ from one another mostly by tuberculation and coloration patterns.