A new Pristimantis (Anura, Terrarana, Strabomantidae) from Churi-tepui in the Chimanta massif, Venezuelan Guayana

A new species of the genus Pristimantis is described from Churi tepui, in the Chimanta massif, Estado Bolivar, Venezuela. The new species was discovered during the Muchimuk Expedition 2009, an ongoing speleological exploration of the Charles Brewer cave system, the largest sandstone cave on Earth. The species is known from only one female, collected near the mouth of the Muchimuk cave, in "non-gramineous tubiform meadows". The new species can be distinguished from other Pristimantis on the highlands of the Guiana Shield by its unique coloration, indistinct tympanum, dorsal and ventral skin smooth, well-developed lateral fringes on the fingers and toes, and basal webbing on Toes III-V.