DOI: 10.15560/22.5.942

Authors: Alex Pazmiño-Palomino, Marissa Barreno, Michael S. Basantes, Jefferson Salazar-Basurto, Henri W. Herrera, Adrián Troya

Abstract: Ecuador is known for breaking world records for species concentration per area. Ants are an important component of that biodiversity. In the framework of The Ants of Ecuador initiative, we identified fifteen new species of ants for the first time recorded from the country. These species belong to four subfamilies and eight genera. The genus Cryptomyrmex Fernández, 2004 is reported for the first time in Ecuador. We provide concise taxonomic diagnoses of the species, with notes on their natural history and distribution. These findings highlight Ecuador’s megadiversity and underscore the urgent need for increased research on their ant richness.

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DOI: 10.15560/22.1.91

Authors: Héctor Cadena-Ortiz, Jorge Bedoya, Roger Ahlman, Cesar Garzón-Santomaro, Edison Ocaña, Daniel Arias-Cruzatty, Maartje Musschenga, Diego F. Cisneros-Heredia

Abstract: We present occurrence records of 93 bird species from the inter-Andean valley of Quito, Ecuador: the first vouchered country record of Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea (Linnaeus, 1766); first records for 37 species in the Andes of Ecuador or within the inter-Andean valley; supplementary records of 45 species with scattered records; modern records for seven species; and reports of three non-native species. Several observations originate from novel urban habitats, underscoring the conservation potential of green infrastructure. The study highlights the pivotal role of participatory science in advancing our understanding of bird distribution.

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DOI: 10.15560/22.1.31

Authors: Wilson Zúñiga-Sarango, Jhony Arboleda, Leonardo Ordóñez-Delgado

Abstract: We document the first record of Vanellus resplendens (Tschudi, 1843) (Charadriidae) in Podocarpus National Park, southern Ecuador. On 15 May 2025, an adult was observed at 2,802 m a.s.l. in El Tiro (Abra de Zamora), Zamora Chinchipe. This record extends the species’ Ecuadorian range 60 km east from El Oro and 110 km south from Azuay, reduces the gap between northern and southern portions of its discontinuous Andean distribu-tion, and underscores the park’s importance for conserving high‑Andean bird assemblages.

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DOI: 10.15560/21.5.945

Authors: Alexander Griffin Bentley, Juan Pablo Reyes-Puig, Arley Benjamin Hidalgo, Josselin Alejandra Hernández Altamirano, María Elena Barragan-Paladines, Mario H. Yánez-Muñoz, Diego Almeida-Reinoso, Mónica A. Guerra, Jhony Arboleda, Jaime Culebras, Dione Alexandra Fiallos Moreno, Joaquín Sáenz, Philip M. Yoder, Don Best, Ricardo Sebastián Vizcarra Vásconez, Manuel Genaro Peñafiel Flores, Alessandro Franchini, Emma Carlson, José Ignacio Segovia Larrea, Ian Smitherman, Eric C.K. Gren

Abstract: Mera County is located in the eastern lowlands of the Llanganates–Sangay Connectivity Corridor (CELS) and is considered a priority conservation area due to the high degree of endemism and existing biological diversity. In the present study, we analyzed snake records from three databases as well as preserved specimens from two local informal collections, four formal collections, and five international collection databases with the participation of numerous students and citizen scientists. Collectively, we examined 85 years’ worth of material—666 individual records, representing seven families, 31 genera, and 66 species. We report seven species previously unrecorded in the study area and 14 new size and elevation records. Our results place this small county among the most snake‑diverse areas in the world. Our citizen‑science approach highlights the value of collaborative work and regional initiatives to involve local people and organizations (private, government, and universities) in scientific efforts.

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DOI: 10.15560/21.5.857

Authors: Carlos A. Proaño, Aini C. Chamba, David R. Goucher

Abstract: Heliangelus regalis Fitzpatrick, Willard & Terborgh, 1979 is known to occur in northeastern Peru and southeastern Ecuador. We report the first record of a single female at Jungle Dave’s Farm in the Ecuadorian Andes, 59 km northwest of its previously known range. The hummingbird was observed actively feeding on Satyria leucostoma (a species of Ericaceae) in a patch of scrubland within a cattle pasture for 58 days and displayed nonaggressive behavior towards other birds. This find provides new information on ecological flexibility of H. regalis in a human‑modified landscape and provides novel insights into the behavior and natural history of this species.

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DOI: 10.15560/21.5.797

Authors: Martín Carrera, Luis Baquero

Abstract: Table 1 in “A historical checklist of the orchid flora (Orchidaceae) of Quito, Ecuador“ by Carrera and Baquero (2025) was inadvertently and unfortunately excluded from the published article. The editors deeply regret this oversight and apologize to the authors and readers. Table 1 is provided below.

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DOI: 10.15560/21.5.778

Authors: Emilio J. Trujillo, Katya Romoleroux, Priscilla Muriel

Abstract: We report a new record of Nototriche hartwegii A.W.Hill, an Ecuadorian endemic species originally described from the southern Andes. For decades, its known distribution was restricted to this region. However, recent publications from the past four years have expanded its range into the central Andes of Ecuador. In this study, we document the presence of N. hartwegii in two additional sites of the central Andes and, for the first time, in the northern part of Ecuador near the Colombian border, significantly extending the known range of this endemic species.

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DOI: 10.15560/21.3.506

Authors: Francisco X. Castellanos, Laura Simba, Jorge Brito

Abstract: Myotis moratellii Novaes et al., 2021 is a bat species that inhabits western Ecuador at low elevations (0–150 m a.s.l.). This study extends its northern distribution by 63 km into the foothill rainforests of the Chocó in Imbabura Province at 1,240 m a.s.l. Given the novel color patterns observed in the specimens collected, molecular approaches were necessary for species-level identification. Although the cause of this variation remains unclear, continued integrative taxonomy is critical to uncover the cryptic diversity within the genus.

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DOI: 10.15560/21.2.485

Authors: William Bensted-Smith, Franklin Terán, Stuart Banks, Inti Keith

Abstract: We provide photographic evidence for eight fish species from five families, not previously seen within the Galápagos Marine Reserve. Four species are native to the Central Tropical Pacific and likely arrived during recent El Niño phenomena: Acanthurus leucocheilus Herre, 1927, Acanthurus olivaceus Bloch & Schneider, 1801, Naso hexacanthus (Bleeker, 1855), and Chaetodon punctatofasciatus Cuvier, 1831. One is a pantropical species: Kyphosus sectatrix (Linnaeus, 1758). The remaining species likely originated within the Eastern Tropical Pacific: Ctenochaetus marginatus (Valenciennes, 1835), Halichoeres malpelo Allen & Robertson, 1992, and Gymnothorax porphyreus (Guichenot, 1848).

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DOI: 10.15560/21.2.451

Authors: Isabel Warren, Laura Simba, Jorge Brito

Abstract: We present the first Ecuadorian records of Furipterus horrens (Cuvier, 1828) from outside the Amazon Rainforest. Our specimens, collected in the Río Manduriacu Reserve, Imbabura Province, is the first record of any individual from the family Furipteridae in the Ecuadorian Andes. The genetic divergences observed with cyt-b and COI markers (10–15%) support previous studies that F. horrens represents a species complex and that the western Ecuador population may represent an undescribed species. This represents a significant increase in the potential habitat for this species and highlights the need for increased research into tropical Andean bat taxonomy.

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DOI: 10.15560/21.2.420

Authors: Eduardo Zavala, Alejandro Arteaga

Abstract: Indotyphlops braminus (Daudin, 1803), a fossorial snake of the family Typhlopidae, is reported for the first time in Guayas Province, Ecuador. These new records extend this species’ distribution to South America. Native to southern India and Sri Lanka, I. braminus has spread worldwide through unintentional transport with ornamental plants. As one of the smallest snakes, it reproduces via triploid parthenogenesis and thrives in diverse habitats. Its accidental introduction may pose risks to local biodiversity. Monitoring and management efforts are required to control its spread and mitigate ecological impacts.

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DOI: 10.15560/21.2.304

Authors: Marco A. Rodríguez-Segovia, Laura Simba, Jorge Brito

Abstract: Sturnira koopmanhilli (McCarthy, Albuja & Alberico, 2006) is a rare and vulnerable bat species dis‑ tributed mainly in the Chocó biogeographic region of Ecuador and Colombia. A field expedition in north‑western Ecuador collected two new voucher specimens and tissues. We sequenced the whole cyt-b gene to confirm the taxonomic identity of these specimens. Furthermore, we reviewed three natural history collections to find unreported specimens. The present study provides seven new records for S. koopmanhilli in Ecuador and expands this species’ occurrence to the eastern slopes of the Andes.

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DOI: 10.15560/21.1.222

Authors: Martín Carrera, Luis Baquero

Abstract: We compile a species inventory of orchid species collected at Quito, Ecuador, between 1790 and 2018 and compare it with the orchid species observed in the field between 2018 and 2021. Historical herbarium records include 52 orchid species in Quito. During our field campaigns, we found 29 of these previously collected species in herbaria and an additional 11 species which we newly report from Quito, bringing the total number of orchid species in Quito to 63 species. However, we were unable to find 23 species during our field campaigns. Our study shows that even in one of the largest Ecuadorian cities, several orchid species are still present, and among them, species not previously reported. Urgent conservation actions are needed in urban areas to preserve urban diver‑ sity and native ecosystems in Quito.

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DOI: 10.15560/21.1.142

Authors: Nora H. Oleas, Lou Jost, Ricardo Zambrano C., Cristian Guzmán Torres, Jorge Heredia, Martin Bustamante, Hugo Romero-Saltos, María Paulina Moreno-Armijos, Alan W. Meerow, Catalina Quintana

Abstract: We report for the first time in Ecuador the small plant genus Pyrolirion Herb. (Amaryllidaceae). We identify several Ecuadorian populations of Pyrolirion tubiflorum (L’Hér.) M. Roem. located in four provinces along the Ecuadorian Andes. This species has been previously recorded in Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. An updated description of P. tubiflorum is provided, along with detailed photographs of some of the Ecuadorian examples of the species.

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DOI: 10.15560/20.5.1286

Authors: Jair Alonso-Alarcón, Diego A. Guevara, Catalina Gutiérrez-Chacón

Abstract: The stingless bee Tetragonisca buchwaldi (Friese, 1925) is documented in Ecuador (1925), Costa Rica (1962), and Panama (1983). This study presents new records for two provinces in Panama and the first-ever report of the species in Colombia. This last record was obtained in September 2022 in Chocó Department using pan traps, which were exposed inside the forest. These new records contribute to the general knowledge of Meliponini, mainly in the biogeographic Chocó region where these bees are undersampled.

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DOI: 10.15560/20.4.853

Authors: S. Holden Jones, Daniela Franco-Mena, Darwin Zambrano Cantos, Julio César Loor Vélez, Carlos Aulestia, Rakan A. Zahawi, Juan M. Guayasamin

Abstract: The Ecuadorian Chocó is a global conservation hotspot with high levels of biodiversity and endemism but is threatened by extensive deforestation. Here, we report the discovery of an additional locality for the Critically Endangered poison-dart frog Leucostethus bilsa (Amphibia, Dendrobatidae) in a privately protected forest reserve in Esmeraldas, Ecuador. This may represent a distinct IUCN location for the species, thereby downgrading its IUCN threat level to Endangered. This finding increases the extent of occurrence for L. bilsa from 0.9 to 4.78 km2, and the area of occupancy from 8.0 to 16.0 km2, demonstrating the importance of small forest reserves for the conservation of forest-dependent amphibians. Further surveys are warranted to determine whether the species is present in additional forest fragments in the region, the degree of connectivity, if any, between individuals inhabiting different fragments, and whether the species’ population is increasing, stable, or in decline.

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DOI: 10.15560/20.3.700

Authors: Rudolf H. Scheffrahn

Abstract: Seven new localities are reported for Coatitermes pallidus (Snyder, 1926) from Amazonia and nine for Coatitermes clevelandi (Snyder, 1926) from Amazonia and Panama. The soldier of C. pallidus and the worker enteric valve armature are depicted for the first time and compared with those of the sympatric C. clevelandi. The new localities extend the distribution ranges of both species by over 1,000 km.

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DOI: 10.15560/20.3.577

Authors: Ignacio J. Moreno-Buitrón, Selene Escobar-Ramírez, Isabel Becdach-Mesia, Diego F. Cisneros-Heredia

Abstract: We present the first records of Camponotus textor Forel, 1899 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) from Ecuador, representing the first records from west of the Andes. We explore the use of participatory science data from iNaturalist and scientific collections to understand the distribution of C. textor. While iNaturalist data alone cannot confirm the presence of C. textor due to the need for precise morphometric data, it can be a valuable tool for assessing the species’ potential distribution. This study increases Ecuador’s known ant species to 826 and Camponotus species to at least 61. Challenges in distinguishing C. textor and C. senex prevent us from determining C. textor’s native status and highlight the need for further research on Camponotus in Ecuador.

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DOI: 10.15560/19.6.965

Authors: Alexandre Cruz Domahovski, Luísa Alasmar, Rodney Ramino Cavichioli, Andrielli Oliveira, Sâmia Leticia Reolon da Cruz, Jefferson Marcelo Arantes-da-Silva, Nayane Silva de Oliveira, Torbjørn Haugaasen, Carlos A. Peres, Andressa Paladini

Abstract: Palingonalia Young, 1977 is a small, poorly known genus of Neotropical leafhoppers comprising only three described species. Here, we describe for the first time the female genitalia of Palingonalia and provided the first record of P. subta Freytag & Vargas, 2007 from Amazonas state, Brazil. Additionally, a distributional map for the genus, discussion about its distribution, and key to species are provided.

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DOI: 10.15560/19.6.801

Authors: Jefferson Salazar-Basurto, Adrián Troya, Francisco Romero, Alexander L. Wild, Alex Pazmiño-Palomino

Abstract: We present an updated list of introduced ants to continental Ecuador, and compile records of occurrence, as well as map the distribution of 15 exotic species. We analyzed specimens in entomological collections and data from AntWeb, GBIF and iNaturalist. Among these, we add two new records for the country: Cardiocondyla mauritanica Forel, 1980 and Pheidole megacephala (Fabricius, 1793). The former is also the first record for South America, while the finding of the latter shows how little we know about introduced tramp ants. In addition, we add site records for nine species: Cardiocondyla emeryi Forel, 1881, Cardiocondyla minutior Forel, 1899, Cardiocon­dyla wroughtonii (Forel, 1890), Linepithema humile (Mayr, 1868), Monomorium floricola (Jerdon, 1851), Monomo­rium pharaonis (Linnaeus, 1758), Paratrechina longicornis (Latreille, 1802), Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius, 1793), and Tetramorium bicarinatum (Nylander, 1846). Based on our previous fieldwork observations, it appears that our understanding of exotic species richness is still in its early stages.

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DOI: 10.15560/19.5.727

Authors: Justine Villalba-Alemán, Paúl Mayorga, C. Miguel Pinto, Patricia Jaramillo Díaz

Abstract: In July 2022, we collected three groups of Clathrus columnatus Bosc (Clathraceae) specimens (four mature and eight immature basidiomata) from Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos. We report these specimens as the first confirmed records of this species from the Galapagos Archipelago and Ecuador. We hypothesize that C. columnatus constitutes a recent introduction to the islands. We provide macro- and microscopic descriptions, including photographs of fresh and fluid-preserved basidiomata, and comments on the species’ taxonomy, ecology, and distribution.

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DOI: 10.15560/19.5.611

Authors: William Bensted-Smith, Inti Keith, Jack Grove, Stuart Banks

Abstract: Herein we provide the first published records for Azurina intercrusma and a correction of previous Scuticaria tigrina records within the Galápagos Marine Reserve. The former had not previously been reported north of the southern Ecuadorian coastline and represents a significant step outside of its known distribution for this cold-water species. Scuticaria tigrina had been mentioned in previous literature as present, but its inclusion appears to have been in error; we confirm its presence as a vagrant and provide evidence of live observations in different parts of the archipelago.

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DOI: 10.15560/19.4.533

Authors: Andrea E. Narváez, Marissa Barreno, Stefania Cuadrado, Katherine Vera, Natalia Molina-Moreira

Abstract: We report the occurrence of Lithobates catesbeianus (Shaw, 1802), Bullfrog, in a protected semidecidu-ous forest in the city of Guayaquil, Guayas, Ecuador and in a nearby wildlife management center. Bosqueira Pro-tected Forest is an isolated spot of diversity surrounded by urbanization, quarries, and highways. We found a juvenile Bullfrog in a water canal on the edge of the protected forest, near a private housing complex, and several tadpoles in an artificial pond in a wildlife management center located near the reserve. This is the first sighting of the invasive L. catesbeianus in a native ecosystem in Guayaquil. We also report the this species from, three other provinces of Ecuador, based on observations in iNaturalist. These records reinforce the ability of L. catesbeianus to adapt easily to varied environmental conditions and to disturbed areas. The invasion of L. catesbeianus towards semideciduous forest represents a new threat to biodiversity, particularly the endemic fauna, due to predation or competition. In future studies, it will be important to fully evaluate the Bullfrog diet and population status to esti-mate its impact on remnant forests of Guayaquil.

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DOI: 10.15560/19.3.347

Authors: Keyko Cruz-García, Marissa Barreno, Stefania Cuadrado, M.D.M. Moretta-Urdiales, Natalia Molina-Moreira, Jaime A. Salas, Álvaro Torres-Domínguez, Andrea E. Narváez

Abstract: Amphibian and reptile diversity from Isla Santay (Durán, Ecuador) has been underestimated due to the lack of monitoring throughout the island. Historically, this island has also been affected by anthropic landscape changes which limit the occurrence of certain species and favors the dispersion of opportunistic or more tolerant species. Such species dynamics tend to be more evident on islands, since their isolation limits species’ mobility. We present an updated checklist of the herpetofauna of Isla Santay Durán, Ecuador, and report for the first time the occurrence of two introduced species, Anolis sagrei Duméril & Bibron, 1837, Brown Anole, and Hemydactylus frenatus Duméril & Bibron, 1836.

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DOI: 10.15560/19.2.141

Authors: Pedro Peñaherrera-R., Ariel Guerrero-Campoverde, Roberto J. León-E., Diego F. Cisneros-Heredia

Abstract: We present the first record of Holothele longipes (L. Koch, 1875) (Araneae, Theraphosidae) from the Republic of Ecuador, based on a male specimen collected near Puerto Misahuallí, province of Napo, in the north-eastern foothills of the Andes, upper River Napo basin. This new record extends the geographic range of H. longipes by approximately 554 km west of the nearest previously known locality, on the River Momón, department of Loreto, Peru. Our new record also represents the first time a species of the theraphosid subfamily Ischnocolinae has been found in Ecuador.

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DOI: 10.15560/18.5.1045

Authors: Ximo Mengual, Isabel C. Kilian, Alex Pazmiño-Palomino

Abstract: We record Aristosyrphus carpenteri (Hull, 1945) for the first time from South America. This species was previously known from Panama and Costa Rica. New specimens, collected in Pichincha Province of Ecuador, represent the first reported occurrence of this flower fly genus from the country. Images, diagnosis, and DNA barcodes are provided to help with the identification of this species.

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DOI: 10.15560/18.3.709

Authors: Jenny Curay, David Mantilla, Jorge Brito

Abstract: The subtropical forests of the Pacific slope of Ecuador lie within a region of wide biodiversity due to the biogeographic influence of Chocó. However, the diversity of small non-volant mammals in these forests is poorly understood. We conducted surveys at seven localities in 2020 and 2021 in Lita, northwestern Imbabura province, Ecuador. Sampling was done on an altitudinal range of 1,314–1,812 m. We used a combination of techniques (Sherman, Tomahawk, and pitfall traps) to capture non-volant small mammals. Our accumulated trapping effort was 2,724 trap/nights. We recorded 180 individuals of 23 species, of which rodents were the most diverse with 17 species, representing 73.9% of the composition. The record of Pattonimus musseri Brito et al. (2020) stands out, representing both latitudinal and elevational altitudinal range extensions. Finally, our results indicate that Lita is a natural area with a high concentration of non-volant mammals in the northwestern Ecuadorian subtropics.

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DOI: 10.15560/18.3.451

Authors: Jefferson García-Loor

Abstract: The Drab Water Tyrant, Ochthornis littoralis (Pelzeln, 1868), is a small flycatcher occurring across lower Amazonia. Its usual habitat is the edges of rivers, and it is easily observed flying over sandbanks and among the trunks of fallen trees and branches. Here, I present a new locality in the Ecuadorian Andean foothills which represents a significant increase in this species’ elevational range from the Amazon lowlands. The new record is also from a previously unknown habitat for the species.

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DOI: 10.15560/18.2.399

Authors: Pablo Sebastián Padrón, Lucía Vanessa Ortiz, Pamela Estefanía Andrade, José Manuel Falcón, Anja Junghanns

Abstract: Invasive ant species are a serious threat to native fauna, especially in highly diverse tropical countries. Therefore, new distribution reports and information on the interactions with other species are essential to understand the potential effects of invasive ants on biodiversity. Here we report for the first time the presence of colonies of Monomorium floricola (Jerdon, 1851) in the nest of the Neotropical social spider Anelosimus eximius (Keyserling, 1884) in the southern part of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Our report extends the known distributional range of M. floricola to the southern Ecuador.

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DOI: 10.15560/18.2.275

Authors: Franklin Vaca-Moyano, Paul L. Duque, Sandra Enríquez, Vanessa Herrera, Marco Sánchez-Murillo, Erika Rivadeneira, C. Alfonso Molina

Abstract: We report the first records of two mosquito species, Wyeomyia (Wyeomyia) abebela Dyar & Knab, 1908 and W. (Hystatomyia) coenonus Dyar & Knab, 1913, from the Choco Biosphere Reserve, a global biodiversity hotspot in Ecuador. We collected these mosquitoes in the Mashpi Lodge Reserve, a conserved natural area. Specimens were collected during their immature stages in bromeliads using a 375-ml absorber dropper. Our new data for W. abelela increases the geographical distribution of this species to include seven countries of America (Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, and Ecuador); W. coenonus is now known from two countries of America (Panama and Ecuador), and our records of W. abelela and W. coenonus are the first from South America.

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DOI: 10.15560/17.6.1633

Authors: D. Ross Robertson, Carol D. Cox, Robert L. Cox

Abstract: The well-cataloged marine fish fauna of the Galapagos Islands includes eight of the 12 species of snappers (Lutjanidae) found in the Tropical Eastern Pacific. A recent recreational scuba dive in the Galapagos produced photographs of an additional snapper species, Lutjanus inermis (Peters, 1869), which was sufficiently common as to likely have a recently established resident population.

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DOI: 10.15560/17.4.1181

Authors: Jonathan Valdiviezo-Rivera, Martha Buenaño Carriel, Daniel Escobar-Camacho

Abstract: Hemigrammus unilineatus (Gill, 1858) (Characidae) is rediscovered in Yasuní National Park, eastern Ecuador, where it has not been reported since 1987. We present a detailed taxonomic description, including measurements and photographs, as well as a distribution map of this species in Ecuador. Based on our new evidence, we confirm the presence of H. unilineatus in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

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DOI: 10.15560/17.4.1041

Authors: Rudolf H. Scheffrahn

Abstract: Twelve new localities are reported for the following four Embiratermes species: E. ignotus Constantino, 1991; E. latidens (Emerson & Banks, 1957); E. silverstrii (Emerson, 1949); and E. spissus (Emerson & Banks, 1957). The new localities extend the distribution span from 940 km up to 1,800 km. Embiratermes latidens is recorded beyond Amazonia for the first time. The enteric valve armature for workers of these species is provided.

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DOI: 10.15560/17.3.729

Authors: Jeffrey D. Camper, Omar Torres-Carvajal, Santiago R. Ron, Jonas Nilsson, Alejandro Arteaga, Travis W. Knowles, Brian S. Arbogast

Abstract: We conducted a long-term inventory of the herpetofauna of Wildsumaco Wildlife Sanctuary in the eastern part of the Napo Province in Ecuador. This private preserve is about 500 ha in size and is located on the southern slopes of Volcán Sumaco. The preserve contains primary forest, secondary forest, and pasture habitats. Based mostly on nocturnal transect sampling we documented 39 species of amphibians including one species of salamander, two species of caecilians, and 36 species of frogs. Rain frogs (Pristimantis Jiminez de la Espada, 1871) were diverse with 14 species documented. A diverse species assemblage of 45 reptile species was also documented on the preserve. Six amphibian species found were listed by the IUCN Red List. At least three species exhibited substantial geographic range extensions and seven species showed elevational range extensions. We discovered several undescribed species including one salamander, three frogs, one lizard, and one snake.

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DOI: 10.15560/17.2.709

Authors: Pablo Sebastián Padrón, Pamela Estefanía Andrade, Lucía Vanessa Ortiz, Madelein Carmen Campaña

Abstract: The presence of the parasitic wasp Horismenus liturgusae Hansson & Schoeninger, 2014 is recorded for the first time in Ecuador. This new record significantly expands the known distributional range of the species by more than 2000 km west of its type locality in Manaus, Brazil. In addition, the Neotropical bark mantid Liturgusa maya Saussure & Zehntner, 1894 is reported as a host, and Horismenus specimens were reared from the mantids ootheca.

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DOI: 10.15560/17.2.385

Authors: Victor Pacheco

Abstract: Thomasomys princeps (Thomas, 1895) is a large, sigmodontine rat and a member of the “aureus” group of the highly diverse genus Thomasomys. This species is only known from the Cordillera Oriental, Colombia; however, based on a recent examination of specimens of Thomasomys from Venezuela, I report the first record of T. princeps from Venezuela, in the Páramo del Tamá near the Colombian border. This record extends the distributional range of the species by 360 km northeast, representing the northernmost record of the species and of the “aureus” group.

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DOI: 10.15560/17.1.239

Authors: Ross J. Maynard, Jaime Culebras, Sebastian Kohn, Juan M. Guayasamin, Scott J. Trageser

Abstract: Herein we report the second known record of Emmochliophis fugleri Fritts & Smith, 1969, present the first color images of the species, extend its known distribution and elevational range, provide the snout–vent and tail lengths of the holotype, and demonstrate that the condition of fused prefrontals is an unreliable diagnostic character for the genus Diaphorolepis. Considering the rarity of this snake as well as the imminent threat that mining poses to the Río Manduriacu Reserve, we recommend a conservation status of Critically Endangered for E. fugleri.

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DOI: 10.15560/17.1.125

Authors: Thomas E. Lee, Jr., Nicolas Tinoco, Seth C. Crockett, M. Alejandra Camacho, Santiago F. Burneo

Abstract: Quimsacocha National Recreation Area is located on the western slope of the Andes in Azuay Province, southern Ecuador. All sampling locations were in the high paramo and high Andean forests (3,572 to 3,865 m). The habitats include paramo, bogs, riparian, patches of elfin forests, and secondary cloud forest. We set Sherman, pitfall, and camera traps (3,600 trap nights), and mist nets to collect 117 specimens. Eight species were collected, including Caenolestes caniventer Anthony 1921; Didelphis pernigra J.A. Allen, 1900; Cryptotis montivagus (Anthony, 1921); Akodon mollis Thomas, 1894; Microryzomys altissimus (Osgood, 1933), Phyllotis haggardi Thomas, 1908; Sigmodon inopinatus Anthony, 1924; and Sylvilagus andinus (Thomas, 1897). Two additional species Coendou rufescens (Gray, 1865) and Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmermann, 1780) were documented photographically. This is the first survey that saved voucher specimens for mammals of Quimsacocha.

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DOI: 10.15560/16.5.1343

Authors: Jorge Córdova-González, May Platt, Leonardo Ordóñez-Delgado

Abstract: We report the second record of Puna Ibis, Plegadis ridgwayi J.A. Allen, 1876 (Aves, Threskiornithidae), from Ecuador and the first record of this species in seasonally dry tropical forests of the southwest of the country. An individual of P. ridgwayi was sighted in November in Zapotillo, Loja province, 440 km from the only previous record in Ecuador and 65 km from the northernmost Peruvian record. The new record from Ecuador, along with records from the northern coast of Peru, suggests that P. ridgwayi may be expanding its geographic distribution northward in this region.

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DOI: 10.15560/16.3.765

Authors: Keyko Cruz-García, Diego F. Cisneros-Heredia, Juan C. Sánchez-Nivicela, Luis Amador

Abstract: Southernmost record of Rhinobothryum bovallii (Andersson 1916), new country records and notes of distribution range of Anolis lyra (Poe, Velasco, Miyata and Williams 2009), Corallus blombergi (Rendahl and Vestergren 1941) and, Spilotes megalolepis (Linnaeus 1758), are provided from specimens collected in Cerro de Hayas forest, Guayas province, southwestern Ecuador.

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DOI: 10.15560/16.3.665

Authors: Stefania S. Cuadrado, Yelsin A. Loor, Andrea E. Narváez

Abstract: The Ecuadorian coast ecosystems are considered fragile due to anthropic activities, such as livestock production and agriculture, which are important economically. In this study, we document the herpetofauna of Engabao, in Playas Canton, Ecuador, and extend the distribution range of one species of frog. We performed day and night sampling, including transect surveys and visual encounters. Ten species of amphibians and reptiles were recorded. Included among these species the Threatened Ceratophrys stolzmanni (Steindachner, 1882). Engabao is an area intended for livestock production.

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DOI: 10.15560/16.2.317

Authors: Jonathan Valdiviezo-Rivera, Carolina Carrillo-Moreno, Claudia Koch

Abstract: A review of the species of the genus Mylossoma Eigenmann & Kennedy, 1903 found in the Ecuadorian Cis-Andean region was conducted. Two species were recognized: M. albiscopum (Cope, 1872) from the Putumayo, Napo, and Tigre river basins and M. aureum (Agassiz, 1829) from the Napo river basin. A map of geographical distribution and radiographs for both species are provided. Historical records of M. duriventre (Cuvier, 1818) were not confirmed in this geographical distribution.

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DOI: 10.15560/15.3.415

Authors: Carolina Reyes-Puig, Gabriela B. Bittencourt-Silva, María Torres-Sánchez, Mark Wilkinson, Jeffrey W. Streicher, Simon T. Maddock, Ramachandran Kotharambath, Hendrik Müller, Francesca Nicole Angiolani Larrea, Diego Almeida-Reinoso, Santiago R. Ron, Diego Francisco Cisneros-Heredia

Abstract: Since 1984 there have been no records of Rhaebo colomai (Hoogmoed, 1985) within the territory of Ecuador. This species was known from 2 localities in the province of Carchi, northwestern Ecuador, and the department of Nariño, southwestern Colombia, which were reported in 1979 and 2015, respectively. We report the recent sightings of R. colomai at 3 new localities in Ecuador and discuss and evaluate this species’ extinction risk and conservation status.

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DOI: 10.15560/15.1.1

Authors: Omar Valencia-Méndez, Dave Catania, Andrés López-Pérez

Abstract: The Red-fin Goby, Evorthodus minutus Meek & Hildebrand, 1928, is a coastal brackish species which is commonly distributed from Sinaloa, Mexico to Guayaquil, Ecuador and particularly abundant in mangroves of Central American eastern Pacific. We report a new record of E. minutus collected from the Santa Cruz Island, part of the Galapagos Archipelago. This new record represents a range extension and is allows for a relevant discussion about colonization pathways in the equatorial eastern Pacific of a brackish-water species.

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DOI: 10.15560/14.5.801

Authors: Héctor Cadena-Ortiz, Juan Escobar, Juan Cordero, Edison Moreno, Gorki Ríos-Alvear

Abstract: We report the highest and southernmost documented records of 2 species of Ecuadorian birds: Sunbittern Eurypyga helias (Pallas, 1781) in the southern end of Podocarpus National Park and Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus (Statius Müller, 1776) in Yacuri National Park. Considering these and other records, both species might be expanding their ranges into the highlands, but the necessity to fill geographical, morphological, and taxonomic gaps on Ecuadorian birds remains.

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DOI: 10.15560/14.3.555

Authors: José Gabriel Martínez-Fonseca, Fiona A. Reid, Julio Loza, Luis Gutiérrez-López, Javier Sunyer

Abstract: The Rufous Tree Rat Diplomys labilis is distributed from southwestern Costa Rica to northern Ecuador. We report the first 2 records of this species from southern Nicaragua, extending the known geographical distribution for the species about 280 km northward from its nearest known locality, in Costa Rica. We provide photos of both Nicaraguan individuals, which were observed almost a year apart in the same locality, the Refugio Bartola Private Reserve, Río San Juan Department.

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DOI: 10.15560/14.1.261

Authors: Katherine L. Krynak, Dana G. Wessels, Segundo M. Imba, Jane A. Lyons, Juan M. Guayasamin

Abstract: Since 2011, the Bumpy Glassfrog, Centrolene heloderma (Duellman, 1981) was known only from a single location in the Mindo region of Ecuador. We report a newly discovered population located in the area of La Sierra, along Río Alambi, a stream system used heavily for aquaculture of rainbow trout (Oncorhyncus mykiss). Threats to population persistence include anthropogenic habitat disturbances such as agriculture and aquaculture, and Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis infection. To improve conservation outcomes, we include notes on C. heloderma natural history, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis susceptibility, and discuss possible mitigation strategies to protect the species.

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DOI: 10.15560/14.1.281

Authors: Leonardo Ordóñez-Delgado, Santiago Erazo, Ivonne González, Diego Armijos-Ojeda, Daniel Rosado

Abstract: We present the first records of the Red-ruffed Fruitcrow, Pyroderus scutatus (Shaw, 1792), in the Cordillera del Cóndor of Ecuador and the first confirmed records of this species in the east of this country. These new records were made in October 2016 and February and September 2017 in the Blanco river basin in southeastern Ecuador. This place is 200 km and over 500 km from the nearest occurrences of this species in Peru and Ecuador, respectively. We can now confirm the presence of the subspecies P. s. masoni (Ridgway, 1886) in Ecuador.

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DOI: 10.15560/14.1.55

Authors: Jonathan Valdiviezo-Rivera, Carolina Carrillo-Moreno, Enrique Gea-Izquierdo

Abstract: An annotated list of the freshwater fishes of the Limoncocha Lagoon, in the Limoncocha Biological Reserve in the northern Amazon region of Ecuador is presented. Fishes were captured between March and July of 2012, and we combined these results with previous studies to provide a comprehensive list of fishes in the Limoncocha Biological Reserve. Thirty-three species belonging to 14 families distributed in 7 orders were collected. The most representative orders in number of species and specimens were Characiformes, Siluriformes, and Perciformes, respectively, being Characiformes as the most important in terms of richness and abundance of species. Characidae (Characiformes) exhibited the greatest abundance and broadest distribution in our samples. A short morphological description and morphometric measurements of each species are also presented.

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DOI: 10.15560/13.4.121

Authors: Verónica L Urgilés, Juan Carlos Sanchez-Nivicela, Diego F Cisneros-Heredia

Abstract: We present new information on the distribution of the marsupial frog Gastrotheca testudinea (Jiménez de la Espada, 1870) in Ecuador. We provide the first record from the province of Cañar, and the southernmost locality for Ecuador (which also corresponds to the third known report from the province of Zamora-Chinchipe). In addition, we review the elevation range of the species, and propose to change the lowest elevation limit of G. testudinea from 1100 to 700 m.

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DOI: 10.15560/13.4.67

Authors: Fernando K Cruz, Veronica L Urgiles, Juan Carlos Sánchez-Nivicela, David C Siddons, Diego Cisneros-Heredia

Abstract: We present new records for Fleischmann’s Glassfrog, Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni (Boettger, 1893), which extend the distribution of this species into central and southwestern Ecuador and thus represent the southernmost known localities. These new reports are based on specimens collected at Cerro de Hayas, province of Guayas, and Macul, province of Los Ríos. These new localities extend the known geographic range of H. fleischmanni by approximately 250 km south of previous known occurrences.

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DOI: 10.15560/13.4.35

Authors: Jeronimo Torres-Porras, Marlon E Cobos, José Manuel Seoane, Nikolay Aguirre

Abstract: Mammals are the third most threatened group of vertebrates and tropical ones are the most endangered according to recent studies. The Buenaventura Reserve protects 20 km2 of Montane Tropical forest in the southwestern part of the Ecuadorian Andes. This study estimates the mammal species richness of this reserve by using camera traps and occasional sightings. We recorded 20 species of large and medium-sized mammals in this small protected area, which shows the reserve’s important role in the conservation of these species. This study also shows the conservation priority that these forests should have in the western part of the Ecuadorian Andes.

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DOI: 10.15560/13.2.2103

Authors: Leonardo Ordóñez-Delgado, Adrian Orihuela-Torres, Fabián Reyes-Bueno, Daniel Rosado

Abstract: We present the first record of the Black-billed Thrush (Turdus ignobilis) in Loja city, Ecuadorian Andes. The bird was recorded in August and September 2015 in Jipiro Park, north of the city, at an elevation of 2,074 m. This increases this species’ altitudinal range in Ecuador by at least 540 m. The presence of the Black-billed Thrush in Loja shows that the valley of the Zamora River allows some species to move from the eastern lowlands to this region of the country.

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DOI: 10.15560/13.2.2083

Authors: Luis Amador, Fernando Ayala-Varela, Andrea Nárvaez, Keyko Cruz, Omar Torres-Carvajal

Abstract: We report the first record of the invasive Brown Anole, Anolis sagrei Duméril & Bibron, 1837, in South America based on nine specimens from Samborondón, Guayas province, Ecuador. We also present some information related to the current distribution in Ecuador, and its possible impacts on native lizard species.

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DOI: 10.15560/3.1.39

Authors: Diego Cisneros-Heredia, Mario Yánez-Muñoz

Abstract: None

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DOI: 10.15560/2.2.63

Authors: Mario Yánez-Muñoz, Flor Ortiz M., Marco Altamirano B.

Abstract: None

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DOI: 10.15560/2.2.47

Authors: Diego Cisneros-Heredia

Abstract: None

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DOI: 10.15560/2.2.1

Authors: David Wiedenfeld

Abstract: Although the Galapagos avifauna has been described previously, it is necessary to list, clarify, and update the previously published records of birds occurring in the archipelago, and to clarify some recent records that are erroneous or were presented with none or few details. The list of breeding (including endemic species and subspecies and non-endemic breeding species) and regular migrant species totals only 88 species, although including the 57 vagrant species, the number is 145 species. However, endemism in Galapagos is quite high, with half (50%) of the regular avifauna being endemic at the species or subspecies level. If only land birds are considered, the endemism levels are much higher, with 70% of land bird species being endemic, and 58% of the “regular” seabirds being endemic as well. It is hoped this article will stimulate other ornithologists and observers who may have additional records to come forth with their information. 

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DOI: 10.15560/2.1.70

Authors: Juan Guayasamin, Diego Cisneros-Heredia, Mario Yánez-Muñoz, Martín Bustamante

Abstract: None

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DOI: 10.15560/2.1.45

Authors: Diego Cisneros-Heredia

Abstract: Fifteen species of amphibians are reported from the Machalilla National Park, located in coastal western Ecuador. Scinax quinquefasciatus, Trachycephalus venulosus, and Leptodactylus ventrimaculatus are reported from the area for the first time. Several amphibian species are rangerestricted and endemic. The amphibian fauna of this national park is related to the Tumbesian endemic region. Updated information is presented for Ceratophrys stolzmanni and Leptodactylus ventrimaculatus.

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DOI: 10.15560/2.1.36

Authors: Diego Cisneros-Heredia

Abstract: None

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DOI: 10.15560/2.1.27

Authors: Diego Cisneros-Heredia

Abstract: None

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DOI: 10.15560/2.1.20

Authors: Diego Cisneros-Heredia

Abstract: None

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DOI: 10.15560/1.1.23

Authors: Diego Cisneros-Heredia

Abstract: None

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DOI: 10.15560/1.1.18

Authors: Diego Cisneros-Heredia

Abstract: None

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DOI: 10.15560/1.1.16

Authors: Diego Cisneros-Heredia, Mario Yánez-Muñoz

Abstract: None

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DOI: 10.15560/1.1.14

Authors: Diego Cisneros-Heredia

Abstract: none

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