Contribution to knowledge of genus Gastrotheca

Abstract

New material of Gastrotheca, collected in several localities of the Northwestern provinces of Argentina (Tucumán, Salta and Jujuy), improves our knowledge of G. chrysosticta Laurent, so far only known by its holotype. It seems to have a large and discontinuous distribution extending to the Sierra de Metán, Salta. It has tadpoles like G. gracilis Laurent, of which it is a vicariant, but they are significantly different. This material also increases our knowledge of G. christiani Laurent, populations of which have been discovered at Baritú and Sierra del Porongal (N Salta). The behaviour of the female before, during and after the birth of the young, and preliminary studies about ecology are described in the three Argentinian species.