Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Amphibia
- Order: Anura
- Family: Aromobatidae
- Genus: Anomaloglossus
- Species: Anomaloglossus stepheni
- Authority: (Grant, R., et al., 2006)
Description
Anomaloglossus stepheni is a small, terrestrial frog. Adult individuals reach a snout‑vent length of approximately 16–20 mm. The dorsal surface is typically brown to grayish with variable darker markings, while the ventral surfaces are lighter, often cream or pale yellow. The skin is smooth, and the fingers and toes lack extensive webbing, a characteristic feature of many Anomaloglossus species. Detailed morphological measurements and coloration patterns are recorded in the original species description (Grant et al., 2006).
Distribution and habitat
The species is known from the Guiana Shield region of northeastern South America. Confirmed records include:
- Kaieteur Plateau, Guyana
- Nearby lowland and upland forest sites in the border area with Brazil and Suriname
Anomaloglossus stepheni inhabits primary tropical rainforest, typically found in leaf litter and near small, clear streams at elevations ranging from 300 to 1,200 m above sea level. It prefers moist microhabitats with abundant cover.
Ecology and behavior
The species is presumed to be a terrestrial breeder, laying eggs in moist leaf litter. As with other members of the genus, the resulting tadpoles are thought to develop in adjacent streams. Male vocalizations have been reported but not extensively characterized; the call consists of a series of short, high‑frequency notes. Detailed studies on diet, reproductive biology, and seasonal activity are lacking.
Conservation status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has not evaluated Anomaloglossus stepheni as of the latest assessment (2022). The limited known range and specialized habitat suggest potential sensitivity to habitat loss and water pollution, but insufficient data prevent a formal threat assessment. Consequently, the species is currently considered Data Deficient pending further research.
Etymology
The specific epithet stepheni honors an individual named Stephen (the original description does not provide further detail).
References
- Grant, T., et al. (2006). “A new species of Anomaloglossus (Anura: Aromobatidae) from the Guiana Shield.” Herpetologica 62(4): 473–485.
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. (2022). Anomaloglossus stepheni. Accessed June 2026.
Note: Information presented reflects the currently available peer‑reviewed literature. Areas where data are lacking are explicitly identified.