Psychrophrynella usurpator facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Psychrophrynella usurpator |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Strabomantidae |
| Genus: | Psychrophrynella |
| Species: |
P. usurpator
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| Binomial name | |
| Psychrophrynella usurpator De la Riva, Chaparro, and Padial, 2008
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Psychrophrynella usurpator is a type of frog that lives only in Peru. It belongs to the Strabomantidae family. These frogs are found in the high mountains of the Andes, especially near a mountain pass called Abra Acjanacu. They also live in the grassy areas of the Manu National Park. Its name, usurpator, means "one who takes over." This is because scientists first thought these frogs were another species called Noblella peruviana. It was like they "took over" the name of a different frog!
Contents
What Does the Usurper Frog Look Like?
Psychrophrynella usurpator is a sturdy frog with legs that are not too long or too short. It has a rounded nose.
Size of the Usurper Frog
Male frogs are about 19.5 to 20.3 millimeters long. This is roughly the length of two small peas. Female frogs are a bit bigger, measuring about 22.7 to 24.1 millimeters. That's like the length of a small button.
Skin and Color
The skin on their back is smooth. Their color can be gray or brown.
Frog Calls
Male Psychrophrynella usurpator frogs have special sacs in their throats. They use these to make calls in the afternoon. Their calls are short, quick, and sound like moderately high notes.
Where Do Usurper Frogs Live?
These frogs live in high-up grasslands called puna grasslands. They can also be found near farms and in areas that lead into misty cloud forests.
High-Altitude Homes
You can find them at elevations from 2,800 to 3,600 meters above sea level. That's higher than many tall mountains!
Finding Them in Nature
They like to hide within clumps of grass. You might also spot them under moss or rocks, especially where it's humid.
How Are Usurper Frogs Doing?
Psychrophrynella usurpator is quite common in the Manu National Park. They also do well in good habitats outside the park.
Threats to Their Home
Sometimes, grasslands are burned, or farming activities happen. These things can cause the frogs to lose their habitat outside the park. However, scientists don't think these activities are making the frog populations shrink.
Staying Healthy
These frogs also seem to be strong against a frog disease called chytridiomycosis. This disease can be very dangerous for many other frog species.
 | Sharif Bey |
 | Hale Woodruff |
 | Richmond Barthé |
 | Purvis Young |
