Cophixalus riparius facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cophixalus riparius |
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The Cophixalus riparius is a type of frog that belongs to the Microhylidae family. This frog is special because it is found only in Papua New Guinea. It lives in the New Guinea Highlands, which are high mountain areas. You can find it in places like Madang, Southern Highlands, Western Highlands, and Morobe Province.
The name riparius means "of the riverbank." This name was chosen because many of these frogs were found near creeks. People also call this frog the Wilhelm rainforest frog.
Frog Names
In the Kalam language of Papua New Guinea, this frog is called gwnm. This same name is also used for another frog species, the Xenorhina rostrata.
What Does It Look Like?
Male Cophixalus riparius frogs can grow to be at least 45 millimeters (about 1.8 inches) long. Females are a bit bigger, reaching about 49 millimeters (almost 2 inches). Males are usually ready to have babies when they are about 41 millimeters long.
This frog has a short, rounded snout. Its eardrum, called the tympanum, is hard to see. There's a small fold of skin above the eardrum. Both its fingers and toes have special pads called discs, which help it grip surfaces.
When these frogs are preserved, their backs look purplish-brown. They have dark, uneven patterns on their skin. Sometimes these patterns form rough lines along their sides. Other times, they might connect to form a net-like design. Rarely, the darker patterns are so strong that the lighter background color only shows up as small spots.
Where It Lives and How It's Protected
The Cophixalus riparius frog lives in mountain rainforests. You can find it among rocks and grass near streams. It lives at high elevations, from about 1,900 to 2,800 meters (6,200 to 9,200 feet) above sea level.
Unlike many frogs, this species does not have a tadpole stage. Instead, the young frogs develop directly from eggs into small frogs.
This frog is quite common and can adapt to different conditions. This means it can probably handle some changes to its home. Scientists believe it is not currently facing any major threats. It might even live in the Mount Kaindi Wildlife Management Area, which is a protected natural space.
See also
In Spanish: Cophixalus riparius para niños
