Lesser Sundas frog facts for kids
The lesser Sundas frog (Papurana elberti) is a type of frog. It lives in the countries of Indonesia and East Timor.
This frog was named after Johannes Eugen Wilhelm Elbert. He was a German scientist who studied nature.
Quick facts for kids Lesser Sundas frog |
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About the Lesser Sundas Frog
The lesser Sundas frog is an amphibian. Amphibians are animals that can live both in water and on land. They usually start their lives in water.
This frog belongs to a group of frogs called Papurana. These frogs are often found in parts of Asia. They are known for living near water sources.
Where It Lives
The lesser Sundas frog lives on islands in Southeast Asia. These islands are part of Indonesia and East Timor. This area is known as the Lesser Sunda Islands.
The frog prefers places with lots of moisture. It can be found near streams, rivers, and ponds. These areas provide the water it needs to survive.
Its Habitat
Frogs like the lesser Sundas frog need a special home. They live in tropical forests. These forests are warm and rainy.
They often hide among plants near water. This helps them stay safe from predators. It also keeps their skin moist.
What It Looks Like
Most frogs in the Papurana group are medium-sized. They have smooth skin. Their skin can be different shades of brown or green.
This coloring helps them blend in with their surroundings. It makes it hard for other animals to see them. This is called camouflage.
What It Eats
Lesser Sundas frogs are carnivores. This means they eat other animals. They are important for controlling insect populations.
They use their long, sticky tongues to catch food. They wait quietly for prey to come close. Then, they quickly snap up their meal.
Its Diet
- Insects: Frogs mainly eat insects. This includes flies, mosquitoes, and beetles.
- Spiders: They also hunt spiders.
- Other small creatures: Sometimes, they might eat other tiny animals.
Life Cycle
Frogs have a fascinating life cycle. It starts with eggs laid in water. These eggs hatch into tadpoles.
Tadpoles live entirely in water. They breathe with gills, like fish. They eat tiny plants and algae.
From Tadpole to Frog
As tadpoles grow, they start to change. This process is called metamorphosis. They grow legs and their tails shrink.
Their gills are replaced by lungs. This allows them to breathe air. Eventually, they leave the water and become adult frogs.
Adult frogs then live on land, but they still need water. They return to water to lay their own eggs. This completes their life cycle.
