Hyperolius wermuthi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hyperolius wermuthi |
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The Hyperolius wermuthi is a type of frog that belongs to the Hyperoliidae family. It is also known as Wermuth's reed frog.
You can find this small frog in Ivory Coast, southern Guinea, and Liberia. Scientists believe its proper name might actually be Hyperolius soror. It looks so much like another frog, Hyperolius fusciventris, that it might have been missed in other parts of West Africa.
What is Hyperolius wermuthi?
This frog is quite small! Male frogs are about 18 to 23 millimeters long. That's less than an inch! Female frogs are a bit bigger, measuring 22 to 29 millimeters. Scientists measure their length from the tip of their nose (snout) to the end of their body (vent).
These frogs can have two main color patterns, called "phases." Young frogs and many adult males have "Phase J." These frogs are brownish to green. They often have light lines along their back or a pattern that looks like an hourglass.
Adult females and some adult males have "Phase F." These frogs are usually very colorful and can look different from each other. A special feature of Phase F frogs is a red stripe near their eye. The underside of their body, called the ventrum, is a clear bluish-green color.
Where do these frogs live?
Wermuth's reed frogs live in primary forests. These are old forests that have not been changed much by humans. They can be found in places up to 1,000 meters (about 3,300 feet) above sea level.
These frogs like to lay their eggs in wet places. They often choose swamps or small ponds that only last for a short time.
Why are these frogs in danger?
Sadly, the places where these frogs live are shrinking. This is because of things like farms getting bigger and trees being cut down for wood. Human towns and villages are also growing into their forest homes.
Because of these threats, the Hyperolius wermuthi is considered a "Near Threatened" species by the IUCN. This means it could become endangered if its habitat continues to disappear. Luckily, this frog does live in the Nimba National Forest, which helps protect some of its habitat.
