El Pepino tree frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids El Pepino tree frog |
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The El Pepino tree frog (Hyloscirtus torrenticola) is a special type of frog. It belongs to the Hylidae family, which includes many tree frogs. You can find this frog living in the forests and rivers of Colombia and Ecuador. Sadly, it is currently listed as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN. This means it is facing threats, especially from losing its natural home.
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About the El Pepino Tree Frog
The El Pepino tree frog is a fascinating creature. It was first described by scientists in 1978. Its scientific name, Hyloscirtus torrenticola, tells us something important about it. The word "torrenticola" comes from Latin. It means "lives in fast-moving water." This gives us a clue about where these frogs like to hang out!
What It Looks Like
The El Pepino tree frog is a small to medium-sized frog. An adult male frog measures about 31.5 to 35.5 millimeters long. This is measured from its snout (nose) to its vent (bottom). An adult female frog is a little bit bigger, measuring around 34.9 millimeters.
Its skin has a beautiful, simple color. The skin on its back, called the dorsum, is a uniform green. The skin on its belly, called the ventrum, is white. This coloring helps it blend in with its surroundings.
Where It Lives
This frog has specific places it likes to call home. Its natural habitats include subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It also lives in subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, which are forests found in mountains. You can also find it near rivers and in swamps. These areas provide the moisture and shelter the frog needs to survive.
Its Lifestyle
The El Pepino tree frog is a nocturnal animal. This means it is most active at night. During the day, it likely rests and hides. At night, it comes out to hunt for food and interact with other frogs.
Scientists believe this frog lays its eggs in streams. This idea comes from observing other frogs in the Hyloscirtus group. Many frogs in this group lay their eggs in moving water. This helps the eggs and tadpoles develop safely.
Facing Challenges
Even though these frogs have special habitats, they are in danger. The biggest threat to the El Pepino tree frog is habitat loss. This happens when their natural homes are destroyed or changed. Forests are cut down, and rivers are polluted or altered. This makes it harder for the frogs to find food, shelter, and places to lay their eggs. Protecting their habitats is very important to help these unique frogs survive.
