Theloderma corticale

Theloderma corticale
Theloderma corticale
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Rhacophoridae
Subfamily: Rhacophorinae
Genus: Theloderma
Species: T. corticale
Binomial name
Theloderma corticale
(Boulenger, 1903)
Synonyms

Rhacophorus corticalis Boulenger, 1903
Rhacophorus fruhstorferi Ahl, 1927

Theloderma corticale (common names: mossy frog,[2] Vietnamese mossy frog,[3] and Tonkin bug-eyed frog) is a species of frog in the Rhacophoridae family. It is found in northern Vietnam and possibly in China and adjacent Laos.[4]

Three T. corticale camouflaged on a rock face.

Description

The common name "mossy frog" arises from the fact that its skin is a mottled green and brown that resembles moss growing on rock, and forms an effective form of camouflage. They have large sticky pads on their toes and a soft underbelly. The females will grow larger than the males and can reach sizes of 8–9 cm (3.1–3.5 in). This species will curl into a ball when frightened, and play dead.[2][3]

Mossy frog displaying camouflage adaptations

Habitat and conservation

Its natural habitats are primary evergreen rainforests. It is a semi-aquatic that is found in caves and steep rocky cliffs. Breeding takes place in rock cavities or tree holes.[1][2][3]

Its habitat is threatened by forest loss. It is also collected for international pet trade.[1] Like many amphibians, the Vietnamese Mossy Frog is vulnerable to the Chytrid Fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis.

Diet

Theloderma corticale is insectivorous.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 3 van Dijk, P.P. & Bain. R. (2004). "Theloderma corticale". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2015.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 6 September 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 "Mossy Frog (Theloderma corticale)". World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Retrieved 6 September 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Vietnamese Mossy Frog (Theloderma corticale)". Newquay Zoo. Retrieved 6 September 2015.
  4. Frost, Darrel R. (2015). "Theloderma corticale (Boulenger, 1903)". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 6 September 2015.
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