Phlyctimantis keithae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Phlyctimantis keithae |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Hyperoliidae |
| Genus: | Phlyctimantis |
| Species: |
P. keithae
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| Binomial name | |
| Phlyctimantis keithae Schiøtz, 1975
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| Synonyms | |
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Kassina keithae (Schiøtz, 1975) |
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Phlyctimantis keithae is a special kind of frog. People also call it the Keith's striped frog or wot-wot. This frog belongs to the Hyperoliidae family. You can only find it in the Udzungwa Mountains in Tanzania. It's named keithae to honor Rolanda Keith, a scientist who studied reptiles and amphibians.
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What Does Keith's Striped Frog Look Like?
Keith's striped frogs are medium-sized tree frogs. Adult males are about 39 to 43 millimeters (1.5 to 1.7 inches) long. This measurement is from their snout (nose) to their vent (bottom).
Their toes have small sticky pads, but not much webbing. The frog's back, called the dorsum, is dark, almost black, with a hint of olive green. It has tiny white spots on small bumps.
The frog's belly, called the ventrum, has a mix of black and light blue colors. The parts of its legs that are usually hidden are striped or spotted with black and orange-red. Its eyes have a dark olive brown iris.
How Does the Wot-Wot Frog Protect Itself?
The Phlyctimantis keithae frog has a cool way to defend itself. When it feels scared, it quickly flips onto its back. It then throws its legs over its body.
This makes the frog look very different from a typical frog. This trick probably helps it hide from animals that want to eat it. It might confuse predators, making it harder for them to recognize the frog.
Where Do Wot-Wot Frogs Live?
The Keith's striped frog lives in forests, grassy mountain areas, and open farmlands. These areas are usually close to forests. They are found at high places, from 1800 to 2000 meters (about 5900 to 6560 feet) above sea level.
These frogs lay their eggs in shallow pools of water. This includes ponds made by people. They like pools that have plants growing out of the water. Scientists think they are mostly forest frogs that move to open areas just to breed. Male frogs call out from hidden spots in grass near the water's edge.
Why Are Keith's Striped Frogs in Danger?
This frog is rarely seen and lives in only a small area. Its home is shrinking and changing. This is due to several reasons:
- Habitat loss: Forests are being cut down.
- New plants: People are planting trees that are not native to the area.
- Farming: More land is being used for farms.
- Fires: Fires are used to keep grasslands open, but they can harm the frogs' homes.
- Human homes: More people are building houses in these areas.
Sadly, the Keith's striped frog is not known to live in any protected areas. This makes it harder to keep them safe.
 | Madam C. J. Walker |
 | Janet Emerson Bashen |
 | Annie Turnbo Malone |
 | Maggie L. Walker |
