Lithobates vibicarius facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lithobates vibicarius |
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The Lithobates vibicarius, also known as the green-eyed frog or the Rancho Redondo frog, is a special kind of frog. It gets its name "green-eyed frog" because of its bright green eyes. The name "Rancho Redondo frog" comes from the place in Costa Rica where it was first discovered. This frog lives in the cool, wet rainforests high up in the mountains of Costa Rica and western Panama.
What Does It Look Like?
Lithobates vibicarius are pretty big frogs. They usually grow to be about 6 to 9 centimeters (about 2.4 to 3.5 inches) long.
- Color: Their backs can be golden, green, or dull brown. Young frogs, called juveniles, are usually green. Most of these frogs have some darker spots or patterns on their backs.
- Special Features:
- They have special skin folds on their sides, called dorsolateral folds, which usually have black edges.
- They often have a black 'mask' on their face, and their upper lip has a white line.
- Their eyes are a striking green color.
- Their feet are very webbed, like a duck's. This helps them swim really well in the water.
How Do They Reproduce?
These frogs can breed all year long, but they do it most often at the start of the rainy season.
- Calling and Mating: Males call out to attract females at night. They usually call from plants that are in the water. Their call is a low, rough sound, like a trill.
- Eggs: After mating, the female frog lays her eggs in large, round, jelly-like clumps. These egg masses are placed in shallow water and are often attached to plants.
Where Do They Live and Are They Safe?
The Lithobates vibicarius is a semi-aquatic frog, meaning it spends time both in water and on land. It lives in the lower parts of mountain rainforests.
- Habitat: They really like dense, thick woods. However, you might also find them near water in open areas or even in pastures where animals graze.
- Conservation Status: This frog was once very common in Costa Rica, but its numbers have dropped a lot. Today, only three groups of these frogs are known to exist in Costa Rica. Sadly, scientists haven't been able to find this species in Panama during recent searches.
- Why They Are Disappearing: Scientists believe the main reason for their decline is a disease called chytridiomycosis, which affects amphibians. Losing their forest homes and chemicals used in farming might also be part of the problem. Because of these challenges, the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) now lists the green-eyed frog as an endangered species. This means they are at a very high risk of disappearing forever.
