Psychrophrynella

Psychrophrynella is a genus of frogs in the family Craugastoridae. They are endemic to the Andes of southern Peru. The genus was erected in 2008 following a major revision of the Craugastoridae. The name Psychrophrynella is derived from the Greek words psychros (cold) and phrynos (toad), reflecting the cool environments these frogs inhabit.

Description

Psychrophrynella species are small frogs, with adult males measuring 15–20 mm (0.59–0.79 in) in snout–vent length and females 18–25 mm (0.71–0.98 in). They have a robust body and short limbs. The skin on the dorsum is shagreened or tuberculate. The fingers and toes bear discs and are partially webbed. The tympanum is distinct.

Distribution and habitat

Psychrophrynella species are found in the high Andes of southern Peru, at elevations of 2,800–3,800 m (9,200–12,500 ft) above sea level. They inhabit puna grassland and cloud forest habitats. They are terrestrial and can be found under stones and logs.

Conservation

Many species of Psychrophrynella are threatened by habitat loss due to agriculture and human settlement. They are also potentially threatened by climate change, as their high-altitude habitats are particularly vulnerable to changes in temperature and precipitation.

Species

There are currently 23 recognized species in the genus Psychrophrynella:

• Psychrophrynella bagrecito
• Psychrophrynella boettgeri
• Psychrophrynella chirihampatu
• Psychrophrynella glauca
• Psychrophrynella guillei
• Psychrophrynella illimani
• Psychrophrynella kallawaya
• Psychrophrynella katantika
• Psychrophrynella kempffi
• Psychrophrynella leapleurophryna
• Psychrophrynella microrhina
• Psychrophrynella pinguis
• Psychrophrynella quimsacruzis
• Psychrophrynella saltator
• Psychrophrynella teqta
• Psychrophrynella usurpator
• Psychrophrynella wettsteini
• Psychrophrynella yanezi
• Psychrophrynella usurpator
• Psychrophrynella glauca
• Psychrophrynella chirihampatu
• Psychrophrynella boettgeri
• Psychrophrynella bagrecito