Pelobates varaldii (Anura:Pelobatidae): A Morphologically Conservative Species

Genetic and morphological differentiation between Spanish Pelobates cultripes and the Moroccan Pelobates varaldii were examined through starch-gel electrophoresis, albumin immunology and standard morphological comparisons. While morphological divergence has been conservative, the biochemical evidence suggests that these taxa last shared a common gene pool during the early Pliocene. Continued recognition of P. varaldii as a species distinct from P. cultripes is recommended on the basis of geographic distribution and biochemical differentiation.