Summary: Symbiotic bacterial communities are crucial to combating infections and contribute to host health. The amphibian skin microbiome plays an important role in protecting their hosts against pathogens such as Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis ( Bd ), one of the causative agents of chytridiomycosis, which is responsible for dramatic amphibian population declines worldwide. Although symbiotic skin bacteria are known to inhibit Bd growth, an understanding of the relationship between Bd genetic variability, environmental conditions, and skin bacterial communities is limited. Therefore, we examined the associations between Bd infection load, Bd genetic diversity and skin bacterial communities in five populations of Hyliola regilla ( hypochondriaca ) from environmentally contrasting sites in Baja California, Mexico. We observed differences in Bd genetics and infection load among sites and environments. Genetic analysis of Bd isolates revealed patterns of spatial structure corresponding to the five sites sampled. Amphibian skin bacterial diversity and community structure differed among environments and sites. Bacterial community composition was correlated with Bd genetic differences and infection load, with specific bacterial taxa enriched on infected and un‐infected frogs. Our results indicate that skin‐associated bacteria and Bd strains likely interact on the host skin, with consequences for microbial community structure and Bd infection intensity.

The number of species of the subgenus Syrrhophus, genus Eleutherodactylus has increased rapidly in the last eight years, due to recent taxonomic studies. This subgenus of direct-developing frogs is well represented in Mexico, which harbors more than 90% of the species richness reported for the subgenus. In this study, we describe one new species, Eleutherodactylus (Syrrhophus) coelum sp. nov. from the El Cielo Biosphere Reserve in Tamaulipas, Mexico, based on morphological and molecular data. The new species, which was previously assigned to E. cystignathoides, differs from its congeners mainly by its small size and by having the tips of Finger III and IV expanded to twice the width of the narrowest part of these fingers. Phylogenetic analyses recovered a well-supported relationship of the new species as the sister group to an undescribed taxon from San Luis Potosí. This analysis also indicates there are more lineages wating for description.

Biofluorescence is the fluorescent glow in blue, green, and red colors that organisms emit when exposed to blue or ultra-violet light. This phenomenon has been documented in different animal groups, the most recent finding being in amphibians. The function of biofluorescence in amphibians is still unknown, although it is hypothesized that it may be associated with sexual selection, communication, and visual acuity. In this work, we described the biofluorescence patterns for six species of anurans occurring in Isthmian Central America. Likewise, five species that did not react with fluorescence to the stimulus of blue light are also mentioned. Because in some works there are inconsistencies regarding the presence or absence of biofluorescence between species, we recommend the use of blue light of 440–460 nm and a yellow #12 filter, which have been successfully tested for the detection of biofluorescence in amphibians.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) cultivation is of great economic importance in Peru. Tacna stands out as its main producer. However, the presence of phytopathogenic fungi represents a challenge for its production. This study aimed to characterize both the morphological and molecular levels of the causal agent of crown and root rot in a crop field in the Camilaca district, Candarave, Tacna. To this end, systematic sampling was carried out using the five-gold method, collecting plants with typical symptoms. Fungi were isolated from diseased roots and characterized using macroscopic and microscopic morphological analysis as well as sequencing and multilocus phylogenetic analysis (ITS, 28S, HIS3, TEF1, TUB2). In addition, pathogenicity tests were performed on healthy plants to confirm the infectivity of the isolates. The results demonstrated that root rot was caused by a complex of phytopathogenic fungi through phylogenetic analysis of Dactylonectria torresensis, Fusarium oxysporum, F. iranicum, and F. redolens. These findings represent the first report of these species as causal agents of oregano root rot in Peru, highlighting the need for integrated management strategies that reduce the economic impact of these diseases and contribute to the sustainability of the crop in key producing regions such as Tacna.