Eleutherodactylus gossei facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eleutherodactylus gossei |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Eleutherodactylidae |
| Genus: | Eleutherodactylus |
| Subgenus: | Euhyas |
| Species: |
E. gossei
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| Binomial name | |
| Eleutherodactylus gossei Dunn, 1926
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| Synonyms | |
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Euhyas gossei (Dunn, 1926) |
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The Jamaican forest frog, also known as the Spaldings robber frog, is a type of frog found only in Jamaica. Its scientific name is Eleutherodactylus gossei. This frog is quite common across the island. It was named after Philip Henry Gosse, a famous English naturalist.
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Meet the Subspecies
Did you know that some animal species have different types within them? These are called subspecies. The Jamaican forest frog has two main subspecies:
- Eleutherodactylus gossei gossei
- Eleutherodactylus gossei oligaulax
These two groups have slight differences, like their size and where they live in Jamaica.
What Does It Look Like?
The Jamaican forest frog has some cool features!
Size and Color
Adult male Eleutherodactylus gossei gossei frogs are about 21 to 28 millimeters (0.8 to 1.1 inches) long. Females are a bit bigger, measuring 20 to 34 millimeters (0.8 to 1.3 inches). Their backs can be mottled (spotty) or a single color. Sometimes, they even have thin stripes or purple lines!
Their main color is usually a shade of brown. This can range from a rich reddish-brown to a light tan. Their bellies are often creamy white or light yellow. The throat color can change a lot between frogs. A cool secret: the skin on their inner thighs and groin is often bright red or orange!
Differences in Subspecies
The Eleutherodactylus gossei oligaulax subspecies is found only in the far eastern parts of Jamaica. These frogs are generally smaller than the other subspecies. Males grow to about 23 millimeters (0.9 inches) long. Females reach about 26 millimeters (1 inch).
Most of these frogs have a thin line down the middle of their back. Some are just one solid color. It's less common to see them with mottled patterns.
Where Do They Live and How Are They Protected?
The Jamaican forest frog lives in many different damp and moist places. You can find them in rural gardens and even in areas that used to be forests. They live at elevations below 1,515 meters (about 4,970 feet).
These frogs are widespread and can be quite common where they live. However, their homes are shrinking. This is due to things like large farms and new buildings being built. These changes mean less space for the frogs to live.
Good news! The Jamaican forest frog is found in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park. It also lives in some special forest reserves. These protected areas help keep their habitats safe.
