Hyloscirtus hillisi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Hyloscirtus hillisi
Scientific classification

Hyloscirtus hillisi is a special kind of tree frog that lives in the Cordillera del Cóndor mountains in Ecuador. These mountains are in South America. This frog lives high up, between 6,532 and 7,001 feet (1,991 to 2,134 meters) above sea level. Sadly, this amazing frog is in danger of extinction, which means there are not many left.

What Does the Hillis' Tree Frog Look Like?

Adult male Hyloscirtus hillisi frogs are about 66.7 to 72.3 millimeters long. This measurement is called their snout-vent length, which means from their nose to their bottom. Adult female frogs are a bit smaller, around 65.8 millimeters long.

These frogs are mostly dark brown. They have cool orange spots or flecks all over their bodies. The number of these orange spots can be different for each frog. These spots help them hide and blend in with their surroundings.

One interesting thing about these frogs is that they have a small claw on the sides of their thumbs. Scientists think this claw might help them poke or scratch other frogs if they are fighting for space. It could also help them defend themselves against animals that try to eat them.

Where Does the Hillis' Tree Frog Live?

The Hillis' tree frog lives in forests that have many short woody plants. These plants are usually about 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) tall. There are also taller trees in these forests, reaching about 10 to 15 meters (about 33 to 49 feet) high.

Scientists have found young frogs and tadpoles in small ponds. These ponds are usually close to a river. This shows that the frogs need both the forest and nearby water to live and grow.

Who Is the Hillis' Tree Frog Named After?

This special frog was named after a famous American-Danish biologist. His name is David Hillis. Scientists often name new species after people who have done important work in science.

See also

In Spanish: Hyloscirtus hillisi para niños