Chiasmocleis anatipes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chiasmocleis anatipes |
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Conservation status | |
Scientific classification |
The Chiasmocleis anatipes is a small frog that belongs to the Microhylidae family. It is also known as the Santa Cecilia humming frog. This frog is found mainly in northeastern Ecuador. It might also live in nearby parts of Peru and Colombia. Its special name, anatipes, means "duck-like feet". This is because it has a lot of webbing between its toes, just like a duck!
What Does It Look Like?
These frogs are quite small. Adult males are about 18–24 mm (0.7–0.9 in) long. That's less than an inch! We only know of one adult female, and she was about 25 mm (1.0 in) long. Their bodies are somewhat thin. They have a rounded snout, which is the front part of their head.
You can't see their eardrum, called a tympanum, because it's hidden. All their fingers, except the first one, have a fringe, but they don't have webbing. Their toes, however, are very webbed and fringed. This webbing helps them swim. Male frogs have small spines on their chin. Both male and female frogs have many tiny spines on their back (called the dorsum) and near their bottom (the cloacal region).
Their color can be dull olive-green or dull brown. They often have shiny green or gold spots. Their upper arms are tan or orange. The underside of their body is cream-colored with large, dark brown spots that are not in any clear pattern.
Where It Lives and How We Protect It
The Santa Cecilia humming frog lives in lowland primary forests. These are old, untouched forests that are not very high up, usually between 200–400 m (660–1,310 ft) above sea level. These frogs have been found near or in ponds that don't dry up completely. They like to lay their eggs in ponds that are only there for a short time.
Scientists believe this frog is quite common, even though it can be hard to spot. However, its home can be destroyed in some places. This is called habitat loss. Luckily, this frog lives in protected areas. You can find it in the Yasuní National Park and the Jatun Sacha Biological Station. These places help keep their forest homes safe.
See also
In Spanish: Rana de hojarasca de Santa Cecilia para niños