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Discoglossidae facts for kids

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Discoglossidae
Temporal range: Late Jurassic to Recent
AlytesObstet.jpg
Alytes obstetricans
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Subphylum:
Class:
Subclass:
Superorder:
Batrachia
Order:
Suborder:
Family:
Discoglossidae

Günther, 1859
Genera

Genus Alytes
Genus Discoglossus
   

Discoglossidae distrib.PNG
Distribution of Discoglossidae (in black)

The Alytidae are a family of primitive frogs. Their common name is painted frogs or midwife toads. Most are endemic to Europe, but there are also three species in northwest Africa, and a species formerly thought to be extinct in Israel.

This family is also known as Discoglossidae, but the older name Alytidae has priority and is now recognized by major reference works. However, some researchers suggest that Alytes and Discoglossus are different enough to be treated as separate families, implying resurrection of Discoglossidae.

Genera and species

The family contains three extant genera, Alytes, Discoglossus, and Latonia. The first is somewhat toad-like and can often be found on land. The second is smoother and more frog-like, preferring the water. The third genus was until recently considered extinct, and is represented by the recently rediscovered Hula painted frog. All of the species have pond-dwelling tadpoles.

The genera Bombina and Barbourula also used to be under this family, but have now been moved to the Bombinatoridae.

Species

The genus Bombina and Barbourula also used to be under this family but have now been moved to the Bombinatoridae family,

Family Discoglossidae

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Ranas pintadas para niños

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