Rio big-tooth frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rio big-tooth frog |
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Hylodes goeldii Baumann, 1912 |
The Megaelosia goeldii, also known as the Rio big-tooth frog, is a special type of frog. It belongs to the Hylodidae family. This frog is the only species left in its group, called Megaelosia.
You can only find this frog in Southeast Brazil. It lives in the states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. This means it is endemic to these areas, which means it naturally lives nowhere else in the world. The frog is named after Émil Goeldi, a scientist from Switzerland who studied animals in Brazil.
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What Does the Rio Big-Tooth Frog Look Like?
These frogs are quite large! Male frogs usually measure about 82 to 95 millimeters from their snout (nose) to their vent (the opening where waste leaves the body). Female frogs are a bit bigger, measuring around 85 to 97 millimeters.
Their skin on their back is bumpy, which is called "granular." Their snout looks pointed when you see it from above. It also sticks out a bit when you look at their side. The ridge between their eye and nostril is clear and straight. Interestingly, male Rio big-tooth frogs do not have vocal sacs or vocal slits. These are parts that many male frogs use to make loud calls.
What Do Rio Big-Tooth Frogs Eat?
The Rio big-tooth frog is a carnivore, meaning it eats other animals. Scientists have looked inside their stomachs to see what they eat. They found that these frogs enjoy a variety of insects. This includes cockroaches, beetles, and caterpillars. They also eat earthworms.
Sometimes, they even eat plant material, though this might be by accident. In special studies, these frogs have also been seen eating other frogs! This shows they are good hunters.
Where Do Rio Big-Tooth Frogs Live?
The Rio big-tooth frog lives in primary forests, which are old, untouched forests. They prefer to live near rivers. During the day, you can often find them resting on rocks that stick out of the shallow parts of the water.
Young frogs, called tadpoles, have been found hiding under large rocks. They live in forest streams that are not too big or too small. These frogs need healthy forests and clean rivers to survive.
How Are Rio Big-Tooth Frogs Doing?
Even though the Rio big-tooth frog is a common species, it is very hard to find and catch. This makes it difficult for scientists to study them.
However, these frogs face some dangers. Their homes are being destroyed because of "habitat loss." This happens when forests are cut down for farms or buildings. New roads and other structures also take away their living space. Pollution in their rivers and streams is another big threat to them. Protecting their forest homes and keeping the water clean are very important for the future of the Rio big-tooth frog.
