Pristimantis factiosus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pristimantis factiosus |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
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Pristimantis
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| Species: |
factiosus
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Pristimantis factiosus is a type of frog that belongs to the Strabomantidae family. It lives only in a specific part of Colombia, on the eastern slopes of the Central Mountain Range. This frog is mostly found near a place called El Estadero in Samaná, Caldas Department, and also in Anorí, Antioquia Department. The name factiosus refers to how the male and female frogs have different colors on their sides.
What Does It Look Like?
Adult male frogs are about 18 to 22 millimeters (0.7 to 0.9 inches) long from their snout to their rear. Adult female frogs are larger, measuring about 29 to 33 millimeters (1.1 to 1.3 inches) long.
Their snout (nose area) looks pointed from above and rounded from the side. They have a round, noticeable eardrum, called a tympanum. Their fingers have narrow edges and round tips, while their toes have similar edges and tips, but smaller. These frogs do not have webbing between their toes.
Their skin is very finely bumpy. They have faint folds along their sides in the middle of their body. The top of their body, called the dorsum, can be pale yellowish-brown to dark brown. They often have a black bar between their eyes and black spots that form a V-shape on their back. The sides of their head are also black.
The underside of the frog is usually dirty white or gray with small black dots. Male frogs have a large, pale area on their back legs and groin that is outlined in brown. Female frogs have a similar pale area, but it is not as clearly defined. The frog's iris (the colored part of its eye) is dark red.
Where Does It Live and How Is It Doing?
Pristimantis factiosus lives in forests, including areas where the forest has been changed or cut down. It can also be found in pastures, along roadsides, and in nearby areas. These frogs live at elevations of 1,750 to 2,200 meters (5,740 to 7,220 feet) above sea level.
This frog is nocturnal, meaning it is active at night. You can often find it on low plants. Unlike many frogs, Pristimantis factiosus has direct development. This means that the eggs hatch directly into tiny froglets, without a free-swimming tadpole stage. Another carnivorous frog, Hemiphractus johnsoni, sometimes preys on this species.
Pristimantis factiosus is an adaptable and common species. It is not currently facing any major threats. Because of this, it is not considered an endangered species.
See also
In Spanish: Pristimantis factiosus para niños
