Adenomera araucaria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Adenomera araucaria |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Leptodactylus araucaria (Kwet and Angulo, 2002) |
Adenomera araucaria is a small type of frog that belongs to the Leptodactylidae family. It is found only in the southern parts of Brazil, specifically in the Serra Geral mountain range. You can find it in the states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul.
What Does This Frog Look Like?
These frogs are quite small. Adult males are about 17 to 19 millimeters (0.67 to 0.75 inches) long. Adult females are a bit bigger, measuring 19 to 20 millimeters (0.75 to 0.79 inches) long.
They have a strong body and short legs. Their skin is smooth. They also have a special fold of skin on their sides that runs from their eye to their groin.
Their color can change a lot! They might be light or dark brown, orange-brown, tan, or gray. Sometimes, they have faint dark marks on their back. Many of them have a light stripe down the middle of their back. Their belly is usually white with some gray dots.
When male frogs want to attract a mate, they make a special call. This call is a sound that changes in pitch, sweeping upwards.
Where Does This Frog Live?
This frog lives in the mountains and coastal areas of the Serra Geral range. You can find it at heights from 300 to 1100 meters (about 980 to 3600 feet) above sea level. It makes its home in forests and even in pine plantations.
It is often found near Araucaria angustifolia trees. Male frogs call from the ground, often hidden among roots, stones, or fallen branches. They usually call from early afternoon until midnight, especially after it rains.
Scientists believe that these frogs lay their eggs in foam nests, and their young (larvae) do not need to feed. This is common for other frogs in the same family, especially since Adenomera araucaria is not often seen near water.
Is This Frog Endangered?
Even though this frog lives in a specific area, it is quite common there. Scientists believe that its population is stable, meaning the number of these frogs is not going down. It also lives in several protected areas, which helps keep them safe.
