Theloderma corticale

Theloderma corticale
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Amphibia
Order:Anura
Family:Rhacophoridae
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 family Rhacophoridae. 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 IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group. 2017. Theloderma corticale. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T59033A87476136. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T59033A87476136.en. Downloaded on 30 September 2017.
  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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