Minervarya keralensis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Minervarya keralensis |
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| Range of F. keralensis in the Western Ghats | |
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Rana verrucosa Günther, 1876 |
The verrucose frog, also known as the Kerala warty frog, is a type of frog that lives in India. Its scientific name is Minervarya keralensis. This frog was first described in 1876. Its name "keralensis" means "from Kerala", which is a state in India where it is found.
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What Does the Verrucose Frog Look Like?
This frog is about 2.75 in (7.0 cm) long from its snout to its rear end. It has a medium-sized head with a pointed snout. Its eyes are quite big, and it has a clear eardrum (called a tympanum) that's about three-quarters the size of its eye.
The verrucose frog has strong teeth on the roof of its mouth. Its fingers are medium-sized, and the first finger is longer than the second. Its toes are well-developed and almost completely webbed, which helps it swim.
Skin and Color
The frog's upper body has many noticeable warts and short folds of skin. It can be grey or brown on top, often with darker spots. The back of its thighs are black with white patterns. Sometimes, it has a wide, light stripe down its back. Male frogs have two special sacs inside their mouths that help them make loud calls.
Where Does the Verrucose Frog Live?
The verrucose frog is mainly found in the Western Ghats mountain range in southern India. The first place it was officially found was in the "Malabar" area. There have been reports of this frog in other parts of India, like Gujarat, and possibly even in Nepal. However, scientists are not completely sure if these frogs are the exact same species as the ones in the Western Ghats.
Habitat and Breeding
In the Western Ghats, Minervarya keralensis is a common frog. It lives in wet evergreen forests, moist forests where trees lose their leaves, and marshy areas. You can also find it in places changed by humans, like farms and villages. This frog likes to breed in temporary ponds that form after rain.
