Taxonomy of the Atelopus ignescens complex (Anura : Bufonidae): Designation of a neotype of Atelopus ignescens and recognition of Atelopus exiguus

We review several populations of Atelopus from high altitudes of Ecuador fo rmerly allocated to Atelopus ignescens. For A. ignescens,we designate a neo type and provide data on variation and distribution. Atelopus ignescens is a species restricted to the northern Andes, and it is characterized by the unique presence of a patch of brown spiculae and coni on the gular and pect oral regions of females. We also recognize A. exiguus as a valid species fr om the Andean highlands of southern Ecuador and describe the lectotype, cal l, and tadpole. Atelopus exiguus is diagnosed by characters of external mor phology and coloration in life. Some specimens of A. exiguus lack Toe I, an unusual feature that deserves further research.