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Centrolene zarza

Centrolene zarza

Ecuador
Status
Unknown

IUCN conservation assessment category

Habitat
Forest, Mountain

Primary ecological niche & biome

Diet
nocturnal beetles, plant flies, moths, and small insects

Dietary type and primary food source

Activity
primarily nocturnal

Diurnal, nocturnal, or active patterns

Scientific Summary

GBIF Taxonomic Backbone & Wikipedia Registry Profile

Description of the holotype. Adult female (MUTPL 932; Figs 2, 3, 5 A), medium sized, with many large and small yellowish white eggs. Head slightly narrower than the body, wider than long, head length 91 % of head width, head width 34 % of SVL, head length 31 % of SVL; snout relatively short, snout to eye distance 13 % of SVL, eye-nostril distance 24 % of head length; snout rounded in dorsal view, sloping in profile; nostrils slightly elevated producing a shallow depression in the internarial area; canthus rostralis indistinct in dorsal view, rounded in cross section; loreal region slightly concave; lips non-flared; moderate sized eyes (sensu Guayasamin et al. 2020), eye diameter 11 % of SVL, 34 % of head length; eye-nostril distance 69 % of eye diameter; eye diameter 93 % of IOD; eyes directed anterolaterally at ~ 40 ° from midline, slightly visible from below; upper eyelid width 85 % of IOD; tympanic annulus and tympanic membrane evident, but the membrane with coloration similar to that of surrounding skin; tympanum oriented slightly dorsolaterally; tympanum large (sensu Guayasamin et al. 2020), its diameter ~ 46 % of eye diameter; weak supratympanic fold present, slightly concealing the upper margin of the tympanum; choanae large, ovoid, not concealed by palatal shelf of maxillary arch, closer to the distal margin of the dentigerous processes of vomers than to the margin of mouth; dentigerous processes of vomers ovoid, in transverse row between the choanae, separated medially by distance slightly lower than the width of processes; each process bearing three teeth; tongue just slightly longer as wide, not notched posteriorly, and only ~ 1 / 5 of posterior part not adherent to the floor of mouth. Skin of dorsal surfaces shagreen with elevated, and some enameled, warts corresponding to white spots; throat smooth; ventral skin coarsely areolate; ventral surfaces of thighs below vent with a pair of large, round, flat tubercles (subcloacal warts); cloacal opening directed posteriorly at upper level of thighs, no distinct cloacal sheath; cloacal region bordered ventrally by many enameled (white) warts. Upper arm thin, forearm somewhat robust; outer edge of forearms with row of enameled warts that continue into the external edges of Finger IV; hand length 34 % of SVL; palmar tubercle large, elliptical; thenar tubercle large, ovoid; subarticular tubercles prominent, round and round in section; numerous round palmar supernumerary tubercles present, much smaller than subarticular tubercles; relative lengths of fingers I <II <IV <III; concealed prepollex; fingers with broad lateral fringes; webbing absent between Fingers I and II, basal between II and III, moderate between outer fingers: III 2 + - 2 IV (Fig. 5 A); bulla absent; discs on fingers expanded, truncate; disc pads nearly triangular. Hindlimbs long, slender; femur length 55 % of SVL; tibia length 57 % of SVL; foot length 48 % of SVL; outer edge of tarsus with row of enameled warts that often continue into the external edges of Toe V; inner edge of tarsus bearing a long fold; inner metatarsal tubercle large, elliptical; outer metatarsal tubercle indistinct; subarticular tubercles rounded and flat; plantar supernumerary tubercles inconspicuous; relative length of toes I <II <III <V <IV; toes with broad lateral fringes; webbing between toes moderate: I 1 --- 2 II 1 -- 2 III 1 -- 2 IV 2 - 1 + V (Fig. 5 A); discs on toes expanded, truncate, lacking papillae; disc pads nearly triangular.
Biology & Conservation

Ecologically, the conservation status of Centrolene zarza is officially designated as Unknown. Current field registries estimate a global population composed of an unquantified number of individuals, making habitat preservation critical to maintaining their wild populations.

It is typically endemic to forest, mountain, showing great physiological synergy with its surroundings. In terms of dietary preferences, it relies primarily on a diet of nocturnal beetles, plant flies, moths, and small insects. It exhibits specialized adaptations centered around a primarily nocturnal activity pattern, optimizing its energy conservation and interactions within its native ecosystem. The species has a typical natural lifespan of approximately 6 years, allowing it to adapt and mature through structured generational cycles.

Ongoing biological monitoring and ecological advocacy emphasize the importance of protecting this species. The stability of its food chain and the prevention of fragmentation in its primary range are vital for the continued survival of Centrolene zarza.

Energy & Activity Profile
Habitat & Adaptation Index
Quick Facts
Native RangeEcuador
Habitat RangeForest, Mountain
Lifespan6 Yrs
StatusUnknown
ScientificCentrolene zarza
Registry Info
Lifespan6 years
KingdomAnimalia
FamilyCentrolenidae