Rhacophoridae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rhacophoridae |
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| Rhacophoridae diversity | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Suborder: | Neobatrachia |
| Family: | Rhacophoridae Hoffman, 1932 |
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Buergeriinae |
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Rhacophoridae (say "rak-oh-FOR-ih-dee") is a special group, or family, of frogs. These frogs live in warm, tropical parts of Asia and Africa. You might know them by their common names like shrub frogs, moss frogs, or bush frogs. Some are also called tree frogs. One of the most amazing types in this family are the flying frogs!
Most Rhacophoridae species are tree-dwelling. This means they spend most of their lives in trees. They even have a unique way of having their babies up in the branches!
Reproduction: Foam Nests
Rhacophoridae frogs have a very interesting way to lay their eggs. When a male and female frog mate, they hold onto a branch. They then beat their legs to create a foamy nest. The female lays her eggs in this foam. The male then adds his seminal fluid to fertilize them.
After the eggs are laid, the foam hardens. This creates a protective home for the developing eggs. In some species, many frogs work together to make a very large foam nest. These nests are usually built above a water source, like a pond or puddle. When the tadpoles hatch from the eggs, they simply fall out of the foam and into the water below.
Amazing Adaptations
These frogs come in many different sizes. They can be as small as 1.5 centimetres (0.59 in) (about half an inch) or as large as 12 centimetres (4.7 in) (about 4.7 inches). Like other frogs that live in trees, they have special sticky pads called toe discs on their feet. These discs help them grip onto branches and leaves.
Some of the most famous members of this family are the Old World flying frogs. A great example is Wallace's flying frog (Rhacophorus nigropalmatus). These frogs have very large webs of skin between their fingers and toes. This special webbing acts like a parachute. It allows them to glide from tree to tree through the air!
Images for kids
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Amboli bush frog (Pseudophilautus amboli), a member of the Rhacophoridae, with an enlarged vocal sac for mating calls.
See also
In Spanish: Ranas arborícolas del Viejo Mundo para niños
