Mongabay · Climate & nature

New Amazon Frog Species Identified by Its Slow Song

Scientists have identified a new species of frog in the Amazon, Adenomera varcena, distinguished primarily by its unusually slow and infrequent call, rather than distinct physical features.

The tiny brown frog, found in the Amazonian floodplains of Ecuador and Brazil, appears nearly identical to related species, a characteristic of "cryptic species" where external traits are similar. Adenomera varcena measures about 22-24 millimeters and has brown skin with dark blotchy patterns.

Researchers emphasize that evolution has focused on the frog's call rather than its appearance, as the song is crucial for attracting mates. This contrasts with related species that typically call much more frequently.

The call of A. varcena is notably slow, with only one to five notes per minute, the slowest rate documented in its genus. Each note is brief and lacks the pulsing rhythm common in other frogs of its kind, leading researchers to describe it as a "lazy" song.

Genetic analysis identified A. varcena as one of nine distinct groups within the Adenomera simonstuarti species complex. The species was initially flagged through DNA analysis and further samples were collected from seasonally flooded forests in Brazil.

A significant distinction is that A. varcena is the only species in its lineage that inhabits floodplains, while its closest relatives are found in dry land forests.

The discovery highlights the importance of studying and protecting even seemingly unremarkable species, as knowledge is the first step towards conservation.

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