Genetic Resolution of the Enigmatic Lesser Antillean Distribution of the Frog Leptodactylus Validus (Anura, Leptodactylidae)

Authors

Keneth Yanek
W. R. Heyer
Rafael O. de Sá, University of RichmondFollow

DOI

10.2994/1808-9798(2006)1[192:grotel]2.0.co;2

Abstract

Leptodactylus validus has an unusual distribution, inhabiting Trinidad, Tobago, and the Lesser Antilles, but not the mainland of South America. This distribution is inconsistent with other distribution patterns observed for these islands. Although slight variation in adult morphology has been observed among the different island populations of L. validus, call data suggest the presence of a single species. Calls of L. pallidirostris from Venezuela and Brazil suggested that this taxon might be conspecific with L. validus. Sequence data from the 12S and 16S mt rDNA genes indicate that L. validus represents a single species throughout its distribution and is conspecific with L. pallidirostris. Dispersal of L. validus from Trinidad and Tobago to the Lesser Antilles was likely mediated by human activities.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-2006

Publisher Statement

Copyright © 2006 Brazilian Society of Herpetology. This article first appeared in South American Journal of Herpetology 1, no. 3 (December 2006): 192-201. doi:10.2994/1808-9798(2006)1[192:grotel]2.0.co;2..

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Recommended Citation

Yanek, Keneth, W. Ronald Heyer, and Rafael O. de Sá. "Genetic Resolution of the Enigmatic Lesser Antillean Distribution of the Frog Leptodactylus Validus (Anura, Leptodactylidae)." South American Journal of Herpetology 1, no. 3 (December 2006): 192-201. doi:10.2994/1808-9798(2006)1[192:grotel]2.0.co;2.