Noblella myrmecoides facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Noblella myrmecoides |
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The Noblella myrmecoides is a tiny frog that belongs to the Strabomantidae family. People often call it the Loreto leaf frog. You can find this special frog in the upper Amazon Basin. It lives in parts of southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, Bolivia, and western Brazil.
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What's in a Name?
The scientific name myrmecoides comes from two Greek words: myrmex and -oides. Myrmex means "ant," and -oides means "like." So, myrmecoides means "ant-like." This name was chosen because this frog is very small, just like an ant!
What Does It Look Like?
The Noblella myrmecoides is a really small frog. Adult males are about 10 to 12 millimeters long. Females are a bit bigger, measuring 12 to 15 millimeters. That's about the size of your fingernail!
Its head is almost as wide as its body. The snout, or nose area, is short. This frog has distinct eardrums, called a tympanum. Its fingers and toes do not have webs, and its fingers don't have special pads. However, its toes have slightly wider tips.
The skin on its back feels a little bumpy. Its color can change from light grayish-brown to reddish-brown. The underside of its body is usually dark gray or dark brown.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Scientists have found that a female frog, about 12 millimeters long, can carry six eggs. These eggs are fairly large for such a small frog, about 1.65 to 2 millimeters wide.
It's believed that these frogs have a special way of growing. Instead of hatching into tadpoles that live in water, their eggs likely hatch directly into tiny froglets. This means they skip the tadpole stage completely!
Where Does It Live?
The Noblella myrmecoides is quite common in its home. It lives in tropical moist forests, which are warm and wet. You can find it in lowlands, on hills, and even in mountains. These frogs live at different heights, from about 90 to 1200 meters above sea level.
This frog loves to live in the leaf litter on the forest floor. It hides among the fallen leaves and plants.
Protecting Their Home
Even though there are many of these frogs, their homes are sometimes in danger. People sometimes cut down trees or clear land for farming. This can destroy the forest where the frogs live.
Luckily, the Noblella myrmecoides can be found in protected areas like the Manú National Park in Peru. These parks help keep their forest homes safe.
