Pristimantis cryophilius facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pristimantis cryophilius |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Pristimantis cryophilius is a special kind of frog that belongs to the Strabomantidae family. It's found only in the Andes mountains of Ecuador. You can find it in the Azuay, Cañar, and Morona-Santiago Provinces. Its name, cryophilius, comes from Greek words meaning "cold-loving." This is because it likes to live in cold places! People also call it the San Vicente robber frog.
What This Frog Looks Like
Adult male frogs are about 29 to 37 millimeters (1.1 to 1.5 inches) long. Female frogs are a bit bigger, measuring 43 to 50 millimeters (1.7 to 2.0 inches) long. Their snout, which is their nose area, looks pointed from the side.
This frog's eardrum, called the tympanum, is hidden. All of its fingers and toes have special pads called discs. Its fingers also have small skin folds on the sides, and its toes have small ridges.
The skin on its back has flat bumps. It also has faint folds of skin along its sides. The frog is usually medium brown with a darker brown pattern that looks like a net on its body and legs. You might see some yellow spots on its sides. Its belly and the back of its thighs are a rose-brown color with cream-colored spots. The frog's eyes have a golden yellow iris with brown spots.
Where It Lives and How We Protect It
The Pristimantis cryophilius frog lives in high mountain areas. These areas are called sub-páramo shrubland and páramo grassland. It lives at elevations between 2,835 and 3,384 meters (about 9,301 to 11,102 feet) above sea level. These frogs have been found hiding under rocks and logs.
Sadly, this frog is in danger. Its home is shrinking and getting damaged. This mostly happens because of farming. However, this frog can be found in protected areas. It lives in the El Cajas National Park, and its home also reaches into the Sangay National Park. These parks help protect the frog's natural habitat.
See also
In Spanish: Pristimantis cryophilius para niños
