Underneath the hustle and bustle of traffic streaming overhead, a substantial creature remained concealed beneath a bridge in Ecuador. This enigmatic entity prowled for sustenance, sought out companionship, and often went unnoticed by passersby.
However, times have changed.
Rhinella horribilis, commonly known as the Mesoamerican cane toad, belongs to a species of conspicuous toads found as far north as Texas and as far south as Ecuador. A cadre of scientists, intrigued by these toads, embarked on an investigative journey, as detailed in a study published on Feb. 20 in the esteemed Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society.
The study revealed suspicions among researchers that certain toads inhabiting western Ecuador might not be true representatives of the Mesoamerican cane toad species. Consequently, they gathered numerous specimens of these misidentified toads for thorough analysis.
A discernible pattern emerged.
These toads from western Ecuador exhibited distinctive vocalizations and physical attributes, leading researchers to a groundbreaking realization: they had stumbled upon a previously unrecognized species, dubbed Rhinella bella, or the beautiful cane toad.
Measuring an average of about 4 inches in length, beautiful cane toads possess robust bodies adorned with bumps, flaunting a squared snout and webbed toes.
Amidst the multitude of newly discovered species each year, the revelation of the beautiful cane toad stands out. Here are three captivating tales from the past week.
Captivating photographs showcase beautiful cane toads from various angles, exhibiting hues ranging from dull brownish-orange to brownish-green.
These captivating creatures were found in diverse locales, spanning roadsides, water bodies, riverbanks, suburban landscapes, and even beneath bridges. Observations revealed instances of mating, with egg strings delicately suspended in the water.
The nomenclature bestowed upon the new species, Rhinella bella, derives from the Latin word for “beautiful,” serving as a poignant reminder that assessments of organismal beauty remain deeply subjective. This designation stands in stark contrast to its counterpart, the Mesoamerican cane toad, whose scientific appellation translates to “horrible” in Latin.
Beautiful cane toads have been spotted in a wide array of habitats, encompassing coastal regions and mountainous forests, albeit predominantly confined to the western side of the Andes mountain range. Their exact distribution remains uncertain, though they might inhabit adjacent areas of Colombia and Peru.
Identification of the new species relied on multiple factors, including body morphology, vocalizations, skeletal structure, and genetic analysis. DNA comparisons revealed an average genetic divergence of 4.5% from other cane toad populations.
The team of researchers behind this remarkable discovery includes Pablo Menéndez-Guerrero, Sueny Lima dos Santos, María-José Salazar-Nicholls, David Green, and Santiago Ron.
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