Hyperolius dintelmanni facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hyperolius dintelmanni |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Hyperolius
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| Species: |
dintelmanni
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| Synonyms | |
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Hyperolius tuberculatus dintelmanni — Amiet, 2012 |
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Hyperolius dintelmanni is a type of frog that belongs to the Hyperoliidae family, also known as "reed frogs." This special frog lives only in Cameroon, a country in Africa. You can find it in the cool, mountainous areas of southwestern Cameroon, like the Bakossi Mountains and Mount Kupe. It was named dintelmanni to honor Mr. Horst Dintelmann from Germany, who supported research and conservation efforts in Cameroon.
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About This Frog's Family Tree
Scientists group living things to understand how they are related. This frog, Hyperolius dintelmanni, is part of a group called the Hyperolius tuberculatus complex. It includes two other frog species: Hyperolius tuberculatus and Hyperolius hutsebauti. For a while, scientists weren't sure if H. dintelmanni was truly its own species or just a type of H. tuberculatus. But now, special tests using DNA (molecular data) have shown that H. dintelmanni is indeed a unique species.
What Does This Frog Look Like?
Hyperolius dintelmanni is a slender frog.
- Adult males are about 30–34 mm (1.2–1.3 in) long from snout to vent (SVL).
- Adult females are a bit larger, measuring about 27–36 mm (1.1–1.4 in) SVL.
Its snout, or nose area, is rounded. The tympanum (like an eardrum) can be seen on most frogs, even if it's covered by thick skin.
Hands and Feet
The frog's fingers and toes have wide tips. They are also webbed, meaning there's skin between them. The toes are more webbed than the fingers.
Colors and Patterns
The colors of these frogs can change as they grow.
- Younger males (called phase J) are usually olive green. Their legs might be translucent dark green. They have light green patterns that turn yellowish towards the edges.
- Their belly area can be yellowish to grayish.
- Older frogs (called phase F) are dark brown to black on their back. They have greenish spots and bright red areas on their upper legs, feet, and hands.
- The lower parts of their legs, feet, and hands are almost completely bright red.
- Their belly is yellowish.
However, some scientists have described phase F frogs as having fewer reddish-pink spots on their back. They also noted a bright reddish-pink color on the belly. The frog's iris (the colored part of its eye) is bronze.
Where Does This Frog Live?
Hyperolius dintelmanni has been found in a few places. These spots are at heights of 470–1,250 m (1,540–4,100 ft) above sea level.
- Some frogs were found in the Edib Hills. They lived on the edges of untouched forests.
- They bred in a small crater lake.
- Frogs were seen sitting low (less than 1 meter off the ground) at night. They were in grassy areas with ferns or along forest paths.
- Breeding frogs were found on floating plants at the edge of the pond.
- Other frogs on Mount Kupe were heard calling from plants in a fish pond next to a large stream.
- Some were also found at a pond in an area that had been partly changed by humans, with both forest and cocoa farms.
Protecting This Frog
This frog seems to be able to live even if its home is a little disturbed. However, many more frogs were found in places that were not disturbed, like the crater lake in the Edib Hills. This suggests that the frog might not survive well where forests are cleared a lot for small farms. Protecting their forest homes is important for these frogs to thrive.
