Physalaemus olfersii facts for kids
Physalaemus olfersii is a type of frog that belongs to the Leptodactylidae family. This frog is found only in southeastern Brazil, which means it is endemic to that area. You can find it in the states of Espírito Santo, southeastern Minas Gerais, and São Paulo. Some frogs that were once thought to be Physalaemus olfersii are now known to be a different species called Physalaemus lateristriga. A common name for this frog is the Atlantic Forest dwarf frog.
Quick facts for kids Physalaemus olfersii |
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What's in a Name?
The specific name olfersii was chosen to honor Ignaz von Olfers. He was a German naturalist, historian, and diplomat.
How to Describe This Frog?
Adult male frogs are usually about 26 to 36 millimeters (1 to 1.4 inches) long. Adult females can be a bit smaller or larger, measuring 22 to 41 millimeters (0.9 to 1.6 inches) long. These measurements are from their snout to their rear end.
The frog's body is fairly strong. Its head is longer than it is wide. The snout, which is the front part of its head, looks pointed or slightly oval when you look from above. From the side, it looks sharp.
The frog's eardrum, called the tympanum, is not very clear to see. There is also a fold of skin above the eardrum that is hard to notice. The fingers and toes of this frog are thin and long. Their tips are slightly wider, but they do not have any webbing between them.
The color of the frog's back can be light brown or gray. It has small, uneven, brown spots scattered across its back. A thin line runs down the middle of its back for about two-thirds of its length. The area between its eyes and nostrils, called the loreal region, is dark brown with some small white dots. A black stripe goes from behind its eye to a gland near its leg. A faint white line starts near its snout, becomes clearer on the edge of its upper eyelid, and continues along a fold on its side.
The skin under its throat is dark gray with white dots. These dots continue to the front part of its belly. The back part of its belly is a plain light brown color. Male frogs have a vocal sac under their throat, which they use to make calls.
Where Do They Live and How Are They Protected?
Physalaemus olfersii lives in both old, untouched forests and newer, regrowing forests. They can be found at elevations below 1,200 meters (about 3,900 feet). These frogs live among the fallen leaves on the ground and in low plants.
They reproduce in temporary and permanent ponds. Even though this frog is common, its home could be threatened by habitat loss. This means that if their forest homes are destroyed, their numbers could decrease.
