Raorchestes ponmudi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Raorchestes ponmudi |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Philautus ponmudi Biju & Bossuyt, 2005 |
The Raorchestes ponmudi is a special kind of frog. It belongs to a family of frogs called Rhacophoridae. This frog is found only in one specific place: the Western Ghats mountains in India. This means it is endemic to that area. Scientists first described this frog in 2005.
Contents
What Does It Look Like?
This frog is quite big for its group. Male Raorchestes ponmudi frogs can grow to be almost 4 centimeters long. This measurement is taken from the tip of their snout to their vent (a part of their body). What's interesting is that the male frogs are actually larger than the females, which is unusual for frogs! They are also bigger than most other frogs or toads living in the same area.
Unique Markings
Each of these frogs has two stripes that run from its eye all the way to its vent. These stripes cross over each other on the frog's back, making an "X" shape. They also have a light brown mark between their eyes. The skin on their belly is a mix of gray and yellow, with some white and black spots. Their back legs are light brown with gray marks.
Eye Color and Other Features
The eyes of the Raorchestes ponmudi are very pretty. Their iris, which is the colored part of the eye, is a shiny gold-bronze color with a gray circle around it. You might also notice some green color on their front legs.
How They Grow
Just like other frogs in their group, Raorchestes ponmudi frogs have a special way of growing. It's called "direct development." This means that instead of hatching as tiny tadpoles that swim around, their tadpole stage happens completely inside the egg. They hatch directly as tiny frogs! This is different from many other frogs you might know.
Where Does It Live?
The Raorchestes ponmudi frog lives in special places called subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. These are forests found in mountains where it's warm and wet. Sadly, these types of forests are becoming smaller because of human activities.
Its Home in the Mountains
This frog was first found on a hill called Ponmudi, which is why it has that name. But later, scientists discovered that it lives in more places across the southern part of the Western Ghats. These frogs like to live high up, about 1000 meters (which is about 3,280 feet) above sea level.
Where Else Can You Find Them?
You can find Raorchestes ponmudi in a few different areas in India. They have been seen in the Wynaad, Idukki, and Thiruvananthapuram districts in a state called Kerala. They have also been found in Valparai, which is in a state called Tamil Nadu. These frogs often sit on branches high up in the trees, sometimes 8 to 15 meters (about 26 to 49 feet) off the ground! They like to hang out in the forest canopy, which is the top layer of the forest where the tree branches and leaves are.
Images for kids
-
This picture shows the frog from the side.
-
Here's a view of the frog from the front.
-
This frog is calling out!
