MIAHUATLAN (PIPING) PEEPING FROG Tomodactylus syristes – Hoyt 1965

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION: T. syristes is known to occur only on the Pacific slopes of the Sierra Miahuatlán and Sierra Mixteca Alta at moderate elevations.

HABITAT: Cloud Forest of the Sierra Madre del Sur, 2,000′, Oaxaca, Mexico

NATURAL HISTORY:

TAXONOMY: The genus Tomodactylus was recently synonomized [...]]]>
Adult, 3,500′, Oaxaca, Mexico

Adult showing thigh coloration, 3,500′, Oaxaca, Mexico

MIAHUATLAN (PIPING) PEEPING FROG
Tomodactylus syristes – Hoyt 1965

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION:
T. syristes is known to occur only on the Pacific slopes of the Sierra Miahuatlán and Sierra Mixteca Alta at moderate elevations.

HABITAT:

Cloud Forest of the Sierra Madre del Sur, 2,000′, Oaxaca, Mexico

NATURAL HISTORY:

TAXONOMY:
The genus Tomodactylus was recently synonomized with Eleutherodactylus; however, I believe that Tomodactylus should be retained to represent this distinct group of frogs.

TYPE:
Described as Tomodactylus syristes by Hoyt (1965). Holotype: UMMZ 124004. Type locality: “on the Pacific slopes of the Sierra de Miahuatlan . . . . 66.7 km (by road) N of Pochutla, Oaxaca, Mexico”.

PERSONAL NOTES:
I encountered this species during July, 2005 in the Sierra Madre del Sur above Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. During a rainless night, dozens of calling individuals were heard along a 7 mile stretch of rural highway. Most were vocalizing from high perches in pine trees and would have been extremely difficult to capture; in the course of climbing a vertical roadcut to try for a calling frog, I happened upon the above-photographed female in the tall grass I was using to ascend the dangerous slope.
Of possible interest is the fact that there was approximately 1 mile of highway where no Tomodactylus or Syrrhophus were vocalizing on this evening – lower than T. syristes and above S. pipilans.

CONSERVATION STATUS:
IUCN Red List status for this species is currently “Endangered” due to it’s small geographic distribution and the continued deforestation associated with the forests it exclusively inhabits. Mexico’s law lists this species under “Special Protection”. Whether or not this species can exist in logged regions has yet to be determined, but it seems that virgin forest is not necessary to it’s survival.

REFERENCES:

PETER’S SHINY PEEPING FROG Tomodactylus petersi – Duellman 1954

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION: Tomodactylus petersi is found from the Sierra Madre Occidental of Sinaloa and Durango south to the Sierra de Coalcomán; it is found inland to the mountains of the state of Aguascalientes.

HABITAT:

NATURAL HISTORY:

TAXONOMY: The genus Tomodactylus was recently synonomized with Eleutherodactylus; however, I believe that [...]]]>
Adult Male, 4,400′, Sinaloa, Mexico

PETER’S SHINY PEEPING FROG
Tomodactylus petersi – Duellman 1954

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION:
Tomodactylus petersi is found from the Sierra Madre Occidental of Sinaloa and Durango south to the Sierra de Coalcomán; it is found inland to the mountains of the state of Aguascalientes.

HABITAT:

NATURAL HISTORY:

TAXONOMY:
The genus Tomodactylus was recently synonomized with Eleutherodactylus; however, I believe that Tomodactylus should be retained to represent this distinctive group of frogs.
Tomodactylus petersi was synonomized with T. nitidus by Dixon (1957). I do not agree with this arrangement, and believe both subspecies of nitidus (orarius and petersi) deserve specific status. T. petersi is morphologically diagnosable from all other Tomodactylus, and it’s range is allopatric of all other members of the genus with the exception of the distinctive T. rufescens in the Sierra de Coalcomán of Michoacán, and possibly T. angustidigitorum.

TYPE:
Described as Tomodactylus petersi by Duellman (1954). Holotype: UMMZ 109238. Type locality: “one-fourth mile east of Coalcomán (elevation 3500 feet)”, Michoacán, Mexico.

PERSONAL NOTES:
I have seen (or heard) this frog in Sinaloa, Durango, Nayarit and Michoacán. In Sinaloa I spent two evenings (August 2002, 2003) mapping the distributions of the Eleutherodactylid frogs of the genera Syrrhophus and Tomodactylus along Mexico Highway 40; T. petersi was abundant and widely distributed along this transect. We found them calling from backyards in the middle of the small town of Santa Lucia, grazed hillsides, open pine forest, and densely-wooded canyons. Males always called from elevated sites (normally low branches of trees), and did so from dusk until early in the morning. Other frogs we found in microsympatry with this species were Syrrhophus teretistes (most calling from the ground) and Tomodactylus saxatilis (calling from rock outcrops).
In August, 2003 in the mountains of coastal Nayarit (southeast of San Blas; west of Tepic) we found this frog calling from trees within agricultural groves. At this site Syrrhophus pallidus was also calling (from terrestrial locations).

CONSERVATION STATUS:
IUCN Red List status for this species (under the name T. nitidus) is “Least Concern” due to it’s large geographic distribution, presumed large worldwide population and adaptability (especially to human-altered habitats).

REFERENCES:

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION: Tomodactylus saxatilis is known to occur in a small region of Sinaloa and Durango, centered around Hwy 40. This area is made up of extensive Barrancas with largely vertical topography. The range of this frog is surely more extensive than currently known. Elevational distribution from about 1700-1900 m.

HABITAT:

NATURAL [...]]]> MARBLED PEEPING FROG
Tomodactylus saxatilis – Webb 1962

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION:
Tomodactylus saxatilis is known to occur in a small region of Sinaloa and Durango, centered around Hwy 40. This area is made up of extensive Barrancas with largely vertical topography. The range of this frog is surely more extensive than currently known. Elevational distribution from about 1700-1900 m.

HABITAT:

NATURAL HISTORY:

TAXONOMY:
The genus Tomodactylus was recently synonomized with Eleutherodactylus; however, I believe that Tomodactylus should be retained to represent this distinctive group of frogs.

TYPE:
Described as Tomodactylus saxatilis by Webb (1962). Holotype: KU 63326. Type locality: “eight miles west of El Palmito, Sinaloa, approximately 6100 feet”, Mexico.

PERSONAL NOTES:
In August, 2003 I heard this species calling from the type locality along Hwy 40, Sinaloa. T. petersi was also calling from small bushes at this site, and because of a misunderstanding on our part we dismissed the calls of saxatilis as those of the nearly sympatric Syrrhophus teretistes and collected only T. petersi to photograph. Oops.

CONSERVATION STATUS:
IUCN Red List status for this species is currently “Endangered”, due to it’s small geographic distribution and presumed small worldwide population. Some concern has been shown in regards to habitat destruction and this frog; however, I believe that the complex geography of the Barrancas that saxatilis inhabits will ensure it’s continued survival. This species can probably adapt to moderate human impact in part because it breeds using direct developement.

REFERENCES:

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION: This species is endemic to high elevation sites in the Sierra de Coalcomán of southern Michoacan. Elevational distribution from 1900-2300 m.

HABITAT:

NATURAL HISTORY:

TAXONOMY: The genus Tomodactylus was recently synonomized with Eleutherodactylus; however, I believe that Tomodactylus should be retained to represent this distinctive group of frogs.

TYPE: Described as Tomodactylus [...]]]> RED PEEPING FROG
Tomodactylus rufescens – Duellman & Dixon 1959

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION:
This species is endemic to high elevation sites in the Sierra de Coalcomán of southern Michoacan. Elevational distribution from 1900-2300 m.

HABITAT:

NATURAL HISTORY:

TAXONOMY:
The genus Tomodactylus was recently synonomized with Eleutherodactylus; however, I believe that Tomodactylus should be retained to represent this distinctive group of frogs.

TYPE:
Described as Tomodactylus rufescens by Duellman and Dixon (1959). Holotype: UMMZ 118509. Type locality: “Dos Aguas, Michoacán, México, 6900 feet”.

PERSONAL NOTES:
I have been to the Sierra de Coalcomán only once, and failed to reach the elevation inhabited by this frog.

CONSERVATION STATUS:
IUCN Red List status for this species is currently “Critically Endangered”, due to it’s restricted geographic distribution and presumed small worldwide population. Habitat destruction is also a major concern in the long-term survival of this frog. From what I understand, this frog is distributed throughout the Sierra de Coalcomán and has adapted to moderate alteration of it’s habitat there.

REFERENCES:

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION: The Colima peeping frog is found throughout the state of Colima, from near the coast to the pine forests near the Jalisco border; it is also found in several mountain ranges in south-central Jalisco (the Sierra Manatlán; Volcan de Colima; Nevado de Colima and the Tapalpa region). This species [...]]]> COLIMA PEEPING FROG
Tomodactylus orarius – Dixon 1957

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION:
The Colima peeping frog is found throughout the state of Colima, from near the coast to the pine forests near the Jalisco border; it is also found in several mountain ranges in south-central Jalisco (the Sierra Manatlán; Volcan de Colima; Nevado de Colima and the Tapalpa region). This species probably also occurs in extreme southwestern Michoacán and more extensively in the highlands of western Jalisco. Elevational distribution from approximately 75-2300 m.

HABITAT:

NATURAL HISTORY:

TAXONOMY:
The genus Tomodactylus was recently synonomized with Eleutherodactylus; however, I believe that Tomodactylus should be retained to represent this distinctive group of frogs.
Most authors still consider orarius to be a subspecies of T. nitidus, but I disagree with this arrangement. T. orarius is morphologically diagnosable from both nitidus and petersi, and it replaces petersi in a region between populations of that frog.

TYPE:
Described as Tomodactylus nitidus orarius by Dixon (1957). Holotype: UMMZ 116922. Type locality: “4.5 mi. southwest of Tecolapa, 450 feet, Colima, Mexico”.

PERSONAL NOTES:
I have observed this frog throughout Colima and Jalisco, Mexico. My first experience with T. orarius was in Tapalpa, Jalisco in August, 2003. In the meadows west of town I found males of this species calling from the tops of small bushes; they were fully exposed and were hard to find at first because of their ability to “throw their voice”. Eleutherodactylus occidentalis was also calling on that particular evening, from the rock walls and wooded hillsides adjacent to the meadows.
In this region, T. orarius is easily captured; however, in the Tropical Deciduous Forests of Colima they most often call from elevated sites on high roadcuts and in dense vegetation where they are quite difficult to locate. In Colima, this species occurs in microsympatry with the smaller Syrrhophus modestus.

CONSERVATION STATUS:
IUCN Red List status for this species (under the name T. nitidus) is “Least Concern” due to it’s large geographic distribution, presumed large worldwide population and adaptability (especially to human-altered habitats).

REFERENCES:

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION: Tomodactylus maurus is known from mid-high elevations in southeastern Mexico state and adjacent Morelos, Mexico.

HABITAT:

NATURAL HISTORY:

TAXONOMY: The genus Tomodactylus was recently synonomized with Eleutherodactylus; however, I believe that Tomodactylus should be retained to represent this distinctive group of frogs.

TYPE: Described as Tomodactylus fuscus by Davis and Dixon (1955). Holotype: TCWC [...]]]> BROWN PEEPING FROG
Tomodactylus maurus – Hedges 1989

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION:
Tomodactylus maurus is known from mid-high elevations in southeastern Mexico state and adjacent Morelos, Mexico.

HABITAT:

NATURAL HISTORY:

TAXONOMY:
The genus Tomodactylus was recently synonomized with Eleutherodactylus; however, I believe that Tomodactylus should be retained to represent this distinctive group of frogs.

TYPE:
Described as Tomodactylus fuscus by Davis and Dixon (1955). Holotype: TCWC 11252. Type locality: “1 1/2 miles southeast of Huitzilac, 7800 feet, Morelos, Mexico”.

PERSONAL NOTES:
I have no experience with this frog.

CONSERVATION STATUS:
IUCN Red List status for this species is currently “Data Deficient”. Little is known of this species’ range and ecological requirements. Mexican law protects T. maurus under the “Special Protection” listing.

REFERENCES:

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION: Tomodactylus grandis is known recently only from a small preserve in the lava fields of the Xitle volcano, south of Mexico City. Historically it was found at a few sites around Mexico City, all in the immediate vicinity of the type locality.

HABITAT:

NATURAL HISTORY:

TAXONOMY: The genus Tomodactylus was recently synonomized [...]]]> GREAT PEEPING FROG
Tomodactylus grandis – Dixon 1957

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION:
Tomodactylus grandis is known recently only from a small preserve in the lava fields of the Xitle volcano, south of Mexico City. Historically it was found at a few sites around Mexico City, all in the immediate vicinity of the type locality.

HABITAT:

NATURAL HISTORY:

TAXONOMY:
The genus Tomodactylus was recently synonomized with Eleutherodactylus; however, I believe that Tomodactylus should be retained to represent this distinctive group of frogs.

TYPE:
Described as Tomodactylus grandis by Dixon (1957). Holotype: TCWC 12628. Type locality: “San Pedro (2 miles south Tlalpam), 7,800 feet, Distrito Federal, Mexico”.

PERSONAL NOTES:
I have no experience with this species.

CONSERVATION STATUS:
IUCN Red List status for this species is “Critically Endangered” due to it’s extremely limited distribution and continued decline in the extent and quality of it’s habitat.

REFERENCES:

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION: The White-lipped peeping frog has been reported from a single locality in central Guerrero: Agua del Obispo. This town is located in the foothills of the Sierra Madre del Sur.

HABITAT:

NATURAL HISTORY:

TAXONOMY: The genus Tomodactylus was recently synonomized with Eleutherodactylus; however, I believe that Tomodactylus should be retained to represent [...]]]> WHITE-LIPPED PEEPING FROG
Tomodactylus dixoni – Lynch 1991

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION:
The White-lipped peeping frog has been reported from a single locality in central Guerrero: Agua del Obispo. This town is located in the foothills of the Sierra Madre del Sur.

HABITAT:

NATURAL HISTORY:

TAXONOMY:
The genus Tomodactylus was recently synonomized with Eleutherodactylus; however, I believe that Tomodactylus should be retained to represent this distinctive group of frogs. This species appears to be closely related to Tomodactylus nitidus.

TYPE:
Described as Tomodactylus albolabris by Taylor (1943). Holotype: FMNH 100082. Type locality: “Agua del Obispo, Guerrero, (km. 351)”, Mexico.

PERSONAL NOTES:
I have no experience with this species.

CONSERVATION STATUS:
IUCN Red List status for this species is currently “Critically Endangered” due to it’s limited distribution and continued decline in the extent and quality of it’s habitat. Although T. dixoni has been reported from a single locality, it is likely that it occurs elsewhere. Surveys should be performed in adjacent regions so that the status of this frog can be more accurately recognized. Mexican law protects T. maurus under the “Special Protection” listing.

REFERENCES:

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION: Tomodactylus dilatus is found in the Sierra Madre del Sur of central Guerrero in the region of the city of Chilpancingo.

HABITAT:

NATURAL HISTORY:

TAXONOMY: The genus Tomodactylus was recently synonomized with Eleutherodactylus; however, I believe that Tomodactylus should be retained to represent this distinctive group of frogs. This species [...]]]> GUERRERO PEEPING FROG
Tomodactylus dilatus – Davis & Dixon 1955

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION:
Tomodactylus dilatus is found in the Sierra Madre del Sur of central Guerrero in the region of the city of Chilpancingo.

HABITAT:

NATURAL HISTORY:

TAXONOMY:
The genus Tomodactylus was recently synonomized with Eleutherodactylus; however, I believe that Tomodactylus should be retained to represent this distinctive group of frogs. This species is closely related to the widely distributed T. nitidus.

TYPE:
Described as Tomodactylus dilatus by Davis and Dixon (1955). Holotype: TCWC 11245. Type locality: “four miles west of Mazatlán, 7400 feet, Guerrero”, Mexico.

PERSONAL NOTES:
I have no experience with this species.

CONSERVATION STATUS:
IUCN Red list status for this species is currently “Endangered” due to it’s limited geographic distribution, and presumed decline in the extent and quality of it’s habitat. T. dilatus probably occurs more widely in central Guerrero; regional surveys should shed some light on this subject.

REFERENCES:

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION: The Patzcuaro peeping frog is found on the southern edge of the Mexico Plateau and Cordillera Volcanica of Michoacan, as well as on the Nevado de Colima in southeastern Jalisco. Frogs tentatively identified as this species are found around Tapalpa, Jalisco.

HABITAT:

NATURAL HISTORY:

TAXONOMY: The genus Tomodactylus was recently synonomized with [...]]]> PATZCUARO PEEPING FROG
Tomodactylus angustidigitorum – Taylor 1939

IDENTIFICATION:

DISTRIBUTION:
The Patzcuaro peeping frog is found on the southern edge of the Mexico Plateau and Cordillera Volcanica of Michoacan, as well as on the Nevado de Colima in southeastern Jalisco. Frogs tentatively identified as this species are found around Tapalpa, Jalisco.

HABITAT:

NATURAL HISTORY:

TAXONOMY:
The genus Tomodactylus was recently synonomized with Eleutherodactylus; however, I believe that Tomodactylus should be retained to represent this distinctive group of frogs.

TYPE:
Described as Tomodactylus angustidigitorum by Taylor (1940). Holotype: FMNH 100126. Type locality: “Quiroga (northeastern end of Lake Pátzcuaro), Michoacán, Mexico, elevation 6,880 ft.”

PERSONAL NOTES:
I have no experience with this species to date.

CONSERVATION STATUS:
IUCN Red List status for this species is currently “Vulnerable” due to it’s fragmented distribution, human alteration of it’s habitat, and presumed population declines in certain areas.

REFERENCES: