Pilalo tree frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pilalo tree frog |
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The Pilalo tree frog (Hyloscirtus ptychodactylus) is a type of frog that lives only in Ecuador. It belongs to the Hylidae family, which includes many tree frogs.
These frogs make their homes in moist montane forests, which are forests found on mountainsides. They also live near rivers. People have seen them high up in the mountains, between 2,300 and 2,600 meters (about 7,500 to 8,500 feet) above sea level. Sadly, the Pilalo tree frog is in danger because its habitat is being lost.
Appearance of the Pilalo Tree Frog
Adult male Pilalo tree frogs are about 6.6 centimeters (2.6 inches) long. Female frogs are a bit bigger, about 7.7 centimeters (3 inches) long.
Their skin on their back can be orange-brown or red-brown. It often has black spots, which can be big or small. The sides of their body and parts of their legs have bright yellow and black stripes. Their belly is black. Sometimes, they have white spots on their throat. The iris of their eye, which is the colored part, is a pretty light blue.
Life and Habits
The Pilalo tree frog is a night animal. This means it is most active when the sun goes down. Even though they are nocturnal, people have heard these frogs singing during the day!
When it's time to lay eggs, the female frog chooses a stream. She lays her eggs right in the water. This helps the young tadpoles grow in a safe, wet place.
Name Origin
The scientific name for this frog is Hyloscirtus ptychodactylus. The second part of its name, ptychodactylus, comes from the Greek language.
- Ptychos means "fold."
- Dactylus means "finger."
So, the name refers to a special feature on its fingers or toes.
See also
- In Spanish: Hyloscirtus ptychodactylus para niños
