Pelophylax nigromaculatus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pelophylax nigromaculatus |
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Rana nigromaculata Hallowell, 1861 "1860" |
The Pelophylax nigromaculatus is a type of true frog found in East Asia. It was first described in 1861. This common frog has many names. Some people call it the dark-spotted frog. Others know it as the black-spotted pond frog or black-spotted frog.
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Where This Frog Lives
This frog lives in many parts of East Asia. You can find it across eastern and northeastern China. It also lives in the Amur River valley in Russia. The frog is common on the Korean Peninsula, including Ulleungdo Island. It lives in most of Japan, but not Hokkaidō.
For a long time, this frog has been very common in Korea. People have hunted it for food there for hundreds of years. Today, it is also used for scientific studies. You can also find populations of this frog in Turkmenistan, Oahu, and Saipan. These populations were introduced by humans.
Frog Homes: Where They Live
The dark-spotted frog usually lives in lower areas. It is not found above 2200 meters (about 7200 feet). These frogs live in many different places. They can be found in deserts, bushland, meadows, and forests. They almost always live in or near still water. This includes ponds or slow-moving streams.
These frogs can handle some changes made by humans. But they are facing challenges. Hunting and water pollution are becoming bigger threats to them.
What the Dark-Spotted Frog Looks Like
Adult male frogs are about 62 millimeters (2.4 inches) long. Female frogs are a bit bigger, about 74 millimeters (2.9 inches) long. Their back color can be grey, olive, or green. They usually have large dark spots on their back. There is often a light line down the middle of their back. They also have two lines on their sides. Their belly is white.
Their toes have webs between them. This helps them swim. Male frogs have two vocal sacs. These help them make loud calls. They also have special pads on their first finger. These pads help them hold onto females during mating.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
The mating season for these frogs starts soon after they wake up from hibernation. Hibernation is like a deep sleep during winter. Frogs likely become adults when they are two years old. They can live for up to 13 years.
Female frogs lay many eggs. They can lay between 1,800 and 5,000 eggs at one time. The eggs are laid in shallow water.
Images for kids
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Protoopalina pingi, a tiny living thing that can be found inside Pelophylax nigromaculatus frogs.
