Eleutherodactylus zugi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eleutherodactylus zugi |
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The Eleutherodactylus zugi is a special kind of frog. It belongs to the Eleutherodactylidae family. This frog lives only in western Cuba. You can find it in the Pinar del Río and Artemisa areas.
The frog's scientific name, zugi, honors a scientist named George Robert Zug. He was an American expert who studied reptiles and amphibians. People also call this frog the Rosario red-legged frog or Zug's robber frog. Another frog, Eleutherodactylus erythroproctus, was once thought to be a type of Eleutherodactylus zugi.
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What Does It Look Like?
The Eleutherodactylus zugi is a small frog. Adult males are about 12 to 17 millimeters (0.5 to 0.7 inches) long. Adult females are a bit bigger, measuring 13 to 19 millimeters (0.5 to 0.7 inches) from their nose to their bottom.
Body Features
Its nose is quite pointed. The frog's eardrum, called the tympanum, is easy to see. It is usually larger in female frogs than in males of the same size. This frog has short fingers and toes. They do not have any webbing between them, unlike some other frogs.
Skin and Color
The back of the frog, called the dorsum, has small bumps or warts. It also has a raised line running down the middle of its back. However, its throat and belly are smooth.
These frogs can have three main color patterns:
- Some have a dark brown to tan stripe down their back. This stripe is bordered by wide yellow or orange stripes on their sides.
- Others have two stripes on their sides that stop at the top. They also have a thin line down the middle of their back.
- The third type has a spotted or mixed pattern on its back. These frogs do not have clear side stripes.
Where It Lives and How We Protect It
The Eleutherodactylus zugi frog lives in moist, broadleaf forests. These forests are found at heights of 155 to 390 meters (500 to 1,280 feet) above sea level.
Its Home
Scientists first found these frogs in wet bushes, just a few inches above the ground. When it was less wet, they found them under fallen palm leaves and other plant bits. At night, these frogs might climb onto moist rocks.
Life Cycle
The female frog lays her eggs on the ground. The baby frogs develop directly from the eggs. This means they do not have a free-swimming tadpole stage, which is common for many frogs.
Conservation Efforts
The Eleutherodactylus zugi is a rare frog. It lives in a small area. Its home is at risk because of things like farming and building new roads or hotels. Pollution from farms can also harm these frogs.
This frog lives in some protected areas. However, many of these places need better care and management to keep the frogs safe.
