Niceforonia lucida facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Niceforonia lucida |
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Niceforonia lucida is a special kind of frog that lives only in Peru. It's also known as Cannatella's Andes frog. This frog is part of the Strabomantidae family. It was first found in the Central Mountains near the Apurímac River in the Ayacucho Region. The name lucida means "bright" or "shiny." This was because of its unique colors when it was first discovered.
What It Looks Like
These frogs are quite small. Male frogs are about 2.8 to 3.3 centimeters long from their snout to their bottom. Female frogs are a bit bigger, measuring 3.1 to 3.8 centimeters.
Their snout (nose area) looks pointed from above and slopes downwards from the side. They have a clear ridge above their eyes called the canthus rostralis. You can see their eardrum, called the tympanum, and a fold of skin above it.
The skin on their back is smooth or slightly bumpy. The skin on their belly is smooth. Their fingers and toes have small, thin edges. The tips of their fingers have narrow, flat pads. Their toe pads have grooves around them.
The frog's back can be dark gray or brown with dark brown or black spots. Some frogs have tan or orange stripes along their sides. The hidden parts of their back legs and groin area are a pale, dull orange. In males, this color can be more orange-red. Their belly is gray or creamy white with gray spots. The iris (the colored part of their eye) is a bright crimson red.
Where It Lives and How We Protect It
Niceforonia lucida lives in wet, grassy areas called paramo. These areas have puna grass, ferns, moss, and lichens. They also live in humid mountain forests. You can find them at high elevations, from about 2,970 to 3,710 meters above sea level.
Scientists have found these frogs hiding under rocks during the day. Sadly, this frog species is facing threats. Its home is being lost mainly because people are clearing land for farming. Protecting their natural habitat is very important to help these frogs survive.
