Pristimantis orcesi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pristimantis orcesi |
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Pristimantis orcesi is a type of frog that belongs to the Strabomantidae family. You can only find this frog in the Andes mountains of central and northern Ecuador. This means it is endemic to that area. The frog's name, orcesi, was given to honor Gustavo Orcés, a famous naturalist from Ecuador. Some people call this frog the Orces robber frog or the Bolivar robber frog.
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About the Orces Robber Frog
What Does It Look Like?
These frogs are quite small. Adult male frogs are about 24 to 30 millimeters long. That's about 1 inch. Female frogs are a bit bigger. They measure about 35 to 36 millimeters, which is around 1.4 inches. This measurement is taken from their snout to their rear end.
The frog has a short, rounded snout. You can see its eardrum, called the tympanum, on its head. Its fingers and toes have special edges, like fringes. They also have small discs at their tips.
Colors and Features
The back of the frog, called the dorsum, is dark. It can be a deep chocolate-brown or black. It also has white bumps, like warts. The belly, or venter, is lighter in color than its back. The frog's eyes have a deep chocolate-brown iris. Male frogs have a vocal sac. This helps them make calls to attract mates.
Where It Lives and How It's Protected
Its Home and Environment
The Pristimantis orcesi frog lives in páramo grasslands. These are high, dry grasslands found in the Andes mountains. You can find these frogs at elevations from about 3,160 to 3,800 meters (10,370 to 12,470 feet) above sea level. They often live near small streams that stay a bit wet. They like to hide among terrestrial bromeliad plants and rocks.
Life Cycle and Conservation
These frogs have a special way of developing. Unlike many frogs, they do not have a free-swimming tadpole stage. Instead, their eggs hatch directly into tiny froglets. This is called direct development.
The Orces robber frog faces some threats. Wild cows can damage their habitat. Fires can also be a danger to their homes. Luckily, this frog lives in protected areas. It can be found in Llanganates National Park and Sangay National Park. Its home also overlaps with other protected lands. These parks help keep the frogs safe.
