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Leptodactylus macrosternum facts for kids

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Leptodactylus macrosternum
Leptodactylus chaquensis06.jpg
Conservation status
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Leptodactylidae
Genus: Leptodactylus
Species:
L. macrosternum
Binomial name
Leptodactylus macrosternum
Miranda-Ribeiro, 1926
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Synonyms
  • Leptodactylus ocellatus var. typica Cei, 1948
  • Leptodactylus chaquensis Cei, 1950

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Leptodactylus macrosternum is a type of frog that belongs to the Leptodactylidae family. It is also known as Cei's white-lipped frog. However, this frog does not actually have a white stripe on its upper lip, which is common for other frogs in its group. You can find this frog in parts of northern Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. The name chaquensis comes from the Gran Chaco area in Argentina.

What Does It Look Like?

Adult male frogs usually measure between 65 and 94 millimeters (about 2.5 to 3.7 inches) from snout to vent. Female frogs are a bit larger, measuring 69 to 98 millimeters (about 2.7 to 3.9 inches).

This frog does not have a light stripe on its upper lip. Its back and sides have several noticeable skin folds. Its toes also have special fringes on the sides.

Male Frogs and Their Calls

Male frogs that are ready to mate have a pair of tough, spiky growths on their thumbs. These are called keratinized thumb spines.

They make three different kinds of calls to attract females: growls, grunts, and trills. The growl is the sound you will hear most often.

Baby Frogs (Tadpoles)

When tadpoles of this species reach a certain stage of development (called Gosner stage 36), they are about 42 millimeters (1.7 inches) long.

Where Does It Live?

Leptodactylus macrosternum is a ground-dwelling frog. This means it lives on the ground, usually near ponds and areas that are flooded. You can find these frogs in places that are less than 1,000 meters (about 3,280 feet) above sea level.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Female frogs lay their eggs in large, foamy nests. These nests are built over puddles and flooded areas where the water is shallow, less than 15 centimeters (about 6 inches) deep. Male frogs call from the edge of the water or while they are in the water.

Conservation Status

This frog species is quite common. It can also adapt well to changes made by humans, like farming or building. In Argentina, these frogs are sometimes caught and eaten. This can cause their numbers to go down in certain local areas. However, the species is found in several protected areas, which helps keep its population healthy.

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