Astylosternus batesi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Astylosternus batesi |
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The Benito River night frog (scientific name: Astylosternus batesi) is a type of frog. It belongs to the Arthroleptidae family. This frog lives in several countries in Africa. These include Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. You can also find it in parts of the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The frog's scientific name, batesi, honors an American naturalist named George Latimer Bates. Its common name comes from the Benito River in Equatorial Guinea, where it was first found.
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What Does the Benito River Night Frog Look Like?
This frog was first described from a single frog specimen. This special frog measured about 70 millimeters (2.8 inches) long. This measurement is from its snout (nose) to its vent (bottom).
Body Features
- The frog has a large head. It is wider than it is long.
- Its snout is round.
- It has big eyes.
- The frog has a clear, oval-shaped eardrum, called a tympanum. It is a bit smaller than its eye.
- There is a special skin fold above its eardrum.
- Its skin is smooth and shiny.
Hands and Feet
- The tips of its fingers and toes are slightly swollen.
- It does not have any webbing between its fingers or toes.
- Most of its toes have a sharp, curved bony claw. This claw cannot be pulled back. This is a special feature of all frogs in its genus.
Coloring
- The frog's back (dorsum) is a dark purplish-brown color.
- Its belly (venter) is white.
- It has black stripes near its eyes and temples.
- A black line runs across its head between its eyes.
- Its upper lip has two dark bars.
- The frog's legs have faint dark stripes.
Where Does the Benito River Night Frog Live?
This frog lives in specific natural places. It prefers warm, wet lowland forests. It also lives near rivers. Sometimes, it can be found in areas where forests have been badly damaged.
Why Is This Frog Important?
The Benito River night frog is currently listed as a species of "Least Concern" by the IUCN. This means it is not in immediate danger of disappearing. However, it faces threats from habitat loss. This happens when its forest homes are destroyed or changed. Protecting its natural habitats is important for its future.
