Leptodactylus fragilis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leptodactylus fragilis |
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Cystignathus fragilis Brocchi, 1877 |
The Leptodactylus fragilis, often called the Mexican white-lipped frog, is a type of frog found in many places. It gets its name from a clear white stripe on its upper lip. This frog lives in a wide area, from Texas in the United States all the way south through Mexico and Central America to Colombia and Venezuela.
Sometimes, people mistakenly call this frog Leptodactylus labialis. However, that name actually refers to a different, but related, frog species.
Contents
What Does the Mexican White-Lipped Frog Look Like?
Mexican white-lipped frogs are usually grey-brown. They often have brown or black spots on their skin. The most special thing about them is the bright white stripe along their upper lip. This stripe is why they are called "white-lipped." These frogs are quite small, growing to be about 3 to 5 centimeters (1.2 to 2 inches) long.
Where Do These Frogs Live?
The Mexican white-lipped frog is a very common species. It can be found in many different places. These include savannas, grasslands, and dry areas. They also live in open parts of humid and dry tropical forests, both in lowlands and on mountains. You will often see them close to water sources.
Behavior and Reproduction
Mexican white-lipped frogs are nocturnal, meaning they are active at night. They are also carnivorous, which means they eat other animals. During the hot parts of the day, these frogs like to bury themselves in loose soil. You might find them in ditches along roads, in watered farm fields, or in grassy areas. When evening comes, they come out to hunt for food.
Like many frogs, they lay their eggs in a special foam nest. This nest floats on water or is placed in wet soil. The foam protects the eggs until they hatch into tadpoles.
See also
In Spanish: Leptodactylus fragilis para niños
