Hispaniolan common tree frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hispaniolan common tree frog |
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The Hispaniolan common tree frog (Osteopilus dominicensis) is also known as the Hispaniolan laughing tree frog or Dominican tree frog. This amazing frog is a type of frog that belongs to the Hylidae family, which are often called "true" tree frogs. It lives only on the island of Hispaniola, which is shared by two countries: the Dominican Republic and Haiti. When we say a species is "endemic" to a place, it means it can only be found there naturally and nowhere else in the world!
What is a Tree Frog?
Tree frogs are special types of frogs that have adapted to live mostly in trees or tall plants. They often have sticky pads on their toes, which help them climb and hold onto leaves and branches. These pads are like tiny suction cups, allowing them to cling to smooth surfaces, even glass! Most tree frogs are small, but they can be very colorful. They are known for their loud calls, especially during the breeding season, which is why this frog is sometimes called the "laughing tree frog."
Where Does it Live?
The Hispaniolan common tree frog is very common and can be found almost everywhere on Hispaniola. It lives from the coast all the way up to mountains as high as 2,000 m (6,600 ft) above sea level. You can find these frogs in many different places, as long as there's water nearby. They live in forests, but they also do well in open areas that have been changed by people, like farms or gardens.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Like most frogs, the Hispaniolan common tree frog starts its life as an egg. These frogs need water to lay their eggs and for their young to grow. They breed in standing water, which means water that isn't flowing, like ponds, puddles, or even ditches. This water can be temporary, meaning it dries up sometimes, or permanent, like a pond that's always there.
After the eggs hatch, tiny tadpoles emerge. Tadpoles live in the water and breathe with gills, much like fish. They eat small bits of plants and algae. As they grow, they slowly change, developing legs and lungs, and losing their tails. This amazing transformation is called metamorphosis. Once they are fully grown, they become adult frogs and can leave the water to live on land, though they always stay close to water for breeding.
What Does it Eat?
As adult frogs, Hispaniolan common tree frogs are insectivores, meaning they mainly eat insects. They use their long, sticky tongues to catch flies, mosquitoes, moths, and other small bugs. This makes them helpful animals, as they help control insect populations in their habitat.
