A New Species of Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens Complex) from Northwestern Mexico

Abstract

Rana magnaocularis, a new species of leopard frog (Rana pipiens complex), from northwestern Mexico is distinctive in possessing displaced dorsolateral folds and an incomplete supralabial stripe, while lacking both prominent ventral yellow coloration and vestigial oviducts (males). The mating call of the new species differs fundamentally from that of other recognized leopard frogs, and the frequency of hybridization with partially sympatric Rana berlandieri forreri is negligible.