Asterophrys turpicola facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Asterophrys turpicola |
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Ceratophrys turpicola Schlegel, 1837 |
The New Guinea bush frog (scientific name: Asterophrys turpicola) is a type of frog. It belongs to the Microhylidae family. This frog lives across New Guinea. You can find it in West Papua (part of Indonesia). It also lives in Papua New Guinea. However, it seems to be missing from the eastern part of Papua New Guinea. It is also found on Yapen island. This island is near the north-western coast of New Guinea. This frog is known for being quite aggressive. It can attack and bite fiercely.
What Does It Look Like?
The Asterophrys turpicola can grow up to 65 mm (2.6 in) long. This measurement is from its snout to its bottom. Its head is very wide. It is as wide as the rest of its body. Each eyelid has a long, spine-like bump. There are also two clear bumps on its lower jaw. This frog has a blue tongue. Its fingers and toes have wide, flat discs. The frog's body is a dull color. It has shades of brown and black. But its hands and feet have more color. Its legs and sides are covered in small bumps, like warts.
How Does It Behave?
The Asterophrys turpicola has some unusual ways to defend itself. When it feels threatened, it takes an aggressive pose. It puffs up its body to look bigger. It also opens its mouth very wide. This shows off its bright blue tongue. It might even attack its enemy. It will leap forward with its mouth open. Then it bites the animal that is bothering it. It can hold on for several minutes. Another frog, Asterophrys leucopus, does not act this way.
Male frogs make calls from under the forest floor. Their call is a short, rising trill sound.
Where Does It Live and Is It Safe?
This frog's natural habitat is rainforests. These are found in lowlands and foothills. They live at elevations below 1,000 m (3,300 ft) above sea level. It can also live in places changed by humans. This includes disturbed areas and even suburban gardens.
The Asterophrys turpicola is not found everywhere. But in some places, there are many of them. Scientists have not found any big threats to this frog. It probably lives in several protected areas.
