Isthmohyla calypsa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Isthmohyla calypsa |
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The Calypso Tree Frog (Isthmohyla calypsa) is a special kind of frog that belongs to the Hylidae family, also known as tree frogs. These frogs were first officially described in 1996. Before that, people sometimes mixed them up with another frog called Isthmohyla lancasteri.
The Calypso Tree Frog lives in parts of Central America. You can find them in the southern Cordillera de Talamanca mountains in Costa Rica and Panama. They have also been found on the Pacific side of southwestern Panama. Sadly, it seems they have now disappeared from Costa Rica.
What Does the Calypso Tree Frog Look Like?
These frogs are not very big. Male Calypso Tree Frogs grow to about 36 mm (1.4 in) long. Females are a little larger, reaching about 41 mm (1.6 in) from their snout to their rear end.
Their back, called the dorsum, is a shiny metallic green color. It has darker green or brown patches, making it look mottled. The skin on their back is covered with large, spiky bumps. Female frogs tend to have more of these spiky bumps than males. Even their legs are spiny!
The underside of their body, called the ventrum, is white. It has some scattered black blotches or smaller spots. The area around their groin and their upper legs (thighs) are bright white. These parts also have scattered black spots.
Where Do Calypso Tree Frogs Live?
Calypso Tree Frogs live in humid, lower mountain forests. They prefer areas along fast-flowing streams. These frogs are found at high elevations, usually between 1,500–2,100 m (4,900–6,900 ft) above sea level. These forests are their natural home, where they find food and shelter.
Why Are Calypso Tree Frogs Disappearing?
Sadly, the Calypso Tree Frog has completely disappeared from Costa Rica. We don't know exactly how many are left in Panama, but scientists believe their numbers have also gone down there.
These declines are happening even in untouched natural areas. One big reason is likely a disease called chytridiomycosis. This is a serious fungal infection that affects amphibians worldwide. It can be very deadly for frogs.
Another threat to these frogs is habitat loss. This happens when their forest homes are destroyed. One cause is smallholder livestock farming, where small farms clear land for animals.
Calypso Tree Frogs have been seen in the La Amistad International Park. They might also live in the Volcán Barú National Park. These parks are protected areas that help keep their habitats safe.
