Pristimantis piceus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pristimantis piceus |
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The Pristimantis piceus is a type of frog that belongs to the Strabomantidae family. It is found only in Colombia. You can find it in the Central Mountain Range, stretching from the Antioquia Department in the north to the Cauca Department in the south. Many of these frogs are black, which is why their scientific name piceus means "pitch-black" in Latin.
What it Looks Like
Adult male frogs are about 29 to 41 millimeters (1.1 to 1.6 inches) long from their snout to their bottom. Female frogs are a bit bigger, measuring 40 to 50 millimeters (1.6 to 2.0 inches).
Their snout is long and pointy when you look from above. From the side, it looks rounded. They have a clear eardrum (called a tympanum), but a fold of skin above it hides the top edge. Their back skin has many tiny, low bumps. They do not have a fold along their sides. Their belly skin feels bumpy.
Their fingers have small ridges on the sides and flat, round tips called discs. Their toes also have fleshy ridges and discs, but these are smaller than the finger discs.
The frog's color can be different. It is usually solid black, reddish-brown, or dark brown. Some have a light blue ring around their eyes. Many frogs also have orange spots on their sides. The edge of their jaw often has some white spots. Their eyes can be black, chocolate brown, or dull bronze, with yellowish spots. Male frogs have a large pouch under their throat that they use to make calls.
If these frogs feel threatened, they might release a white or blue-white sticky liquid. Scientists believe this sticky stuff helps protect them from predators.
Where it Lives and How it's Protected
Pristimantis piceus frogs live in cloud forests, sub-páramo (high grasslands), and páramo habitats. They are found at high elevations, from about 2,400 to 3,400 meters (7,900 to 11,200 feet) above sea level.
These frogs are active at night. You can find them on plants, especially in open areas on top of weeds. During the day, they hide on the ground, among low grass, or under logs and rocks.
This frog species is quite common and can be found in many places. However, in some areas, their homes are shrinking. This happens because of habitat loss from cutting down forests, farming, and illegal crops. Luckily, these frogs live in several protected areas, which helps keep them safe.
See also
In Spanish: Pristimantis piceus para niños
