Polka-dot tree frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Polka-dot tree frog |
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The polka-dot tree frog (Boana punctata) is a small, fascinating frog. It is also called the dotted tree frog. This frog belongs to the Hylidae family, which includes many types of tree frogs. You can find these frogs in most parts of South America and also in Trinidad and Tobago.
These frogs are quite small. They usually measure about 3 to 4 centimeters (1.2 to 1.6 inches) from their snout to their rear end. They live in many different places. Their homes include warm, moist forests, swamps, and freshwater marshes. They can even be found in gardens and city areas. The IUCN (a group that tracks animal populations) does not consider this frog to be in danger.
Discovering the Frog's Glow
In 2017, scientists made an amazing discovery about the polka-dot tree frog. They found some of these frogs in Argentina. When they shone UV light on them, the frogs glowed! This was the first time a fluorescent amphibian was found. There are over 6,000 types of frogs, but none had shown this natural glow before.
Before this, natural fluorescence in land animals was only known in some parrots. It was more common in fish and insects. A few months later, scientists found the same glow in a related frog, Boana atlantica. Then, in 2019, they found it in other frogs like the pumpkin toadlet. By 2020, it was clear that many frogs and other amphibians can glow.
How the Polka-Dot Tree Frog Glows
When UV light hits the polka-dot tree frog's skin, it gives off a bright green light. Scientists found this by accident. They were studying the frog's skin fluids under UV light. They thought they might see a faint red glow. This is because frog skin has a green substance called biliverdin. This substance usually makes the frog look dull, brownish-green.
But to their surprise, the frogs glowed brightly green! This special green glow comes from unique chemicals in the frog's skin. These chemicals are found in the frog's lymph tissue, skin, and the fluids it secretes. Because the glow comes from skin fluids, the frogs can even leave glowing marks on surfaces they touch.
Why Does the Frog Glow?
The green glow of the polka-dot tree frog is quite strong. It can be about 18 to 29 percent as bright as the light during twilight. Scientists believe this glow might be important for the frogs. It could help them communicate with each other. It might also help them hide from predators or find mates. More research is being done to fully understand why these amazing frogs glow.
