Biochemical Variation in the Frog Eleutherodactylus bransfordii: Geographic Patterns and Cryptic Species

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Abstract
E. bransfordii (Cope, 1886) is a highly polymorphic species of frog with a complex and interesting taxonomic history. This taxon was originally divided into multiple species which were later synchronized because the morphological data did not support any unique and defining characters. The current taxonomic status of E. bransfordii is evaluated based on an electrophoretic comparison of 6 Costa Rican localities. The allozyme data were analyzed cladistically and geographically for patterns of relationship and genetic differentiation. Three samples could be clustered into 3 distinct geographic components representing separate evolutionary lineages. The geographic and electrophoretic data suggest that at least 2 of these components constitute separate species reflecting different biogeographic regions. One form sampled in the Golfo Dulcean region is therefore resurrected as E. stejnegerianus (Cope, 1893), and the taxon E. bransfordii is restricted to populations represented by Cahuita, Cascajal, La Selva and Monteverde. Formal taxonomic recognition of a 2nd sympatric form in the Golfo Dulcean region awaits further study.

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