Cheesman's big-eyed tree frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cheesman's big-eyed tree frog |
|
---|---|
Conservation status | |
Scientific classification | |
Synonyms | |
|
The Cheesman's big-eyed tree frog (Nyctimystes cheesmani) is a special type of tree frog. It lives in the forests of southeastern Papua New Guinea. This frog gets its name from its noticeably large, dark eyes.
What Does This Frog Look Like?
Cheesman's big-eyed tree frogs are medium-sized. Adult male frogs are about 4.8 to 5.7 centimeters long. Female frogs are a bit larger, growing to about 5.5 to 6.5 centimeters.
Their skin can be light brown, dark brown, or even green-brown. This helps them blend in with their forest home. They have very dark eyes that stand out. You might also spot some purple colors on different parts of their body. These frogs even have small teeth in their upper jaw. These are called vomerine teeth.
Where Does This Frog Live?
Scientists have found these frogs in forests. They especially like areas where sunlight can reach the ground. This means they often live near streams or rivers. These streams flow through forests that are not too dense. The open areas allow the sun's rays to shine through. This creates a good environment for the frogs to live and hunt.
How Did It Get Its Name?
The frog is named "Cheesman's" after a person. Sometimes, scientists discuss the exact spelling of animal names. In 2020, a group called the International Commission of Zoological Nomenclature looked at the frog's name. They thought about changing it to "cheesmanae" but decided to keep "cheesmani." This shows how carefully scientists name and classify different species.