Leptomantis rufipes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leptomantis rufipes |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Rhacophorus rufipes Inger, 1966 |
The Malaysian flying frog, also called the red-legged frog, is a special kind of frog. Its scientific name is Leptomantis rufipes. This frog belongs to a family called Rhacophoridae. It gets its name rufipes because of its cool red feet!
This frog only lives in Borneo, a large island in Southeast Asia. You can find it in certain parts of Sarawak and Sabah in East Malaysia. It also lives in central Kalimantan, Indonesia.
What It Looks Like
These frogs are not very big. Adult male frogs are about 3.4 to 3.9 centimeters (1.3 to 1.5 inches) long. Female frogs are a bit bigger, around 5 centimeters (2 inches) long. This measurement is from their snout (nose) to their vent (bottom).
The Malaysian flying frog has a slim body and a pointy nose. It has a clear eardrum, called a tympanum, which is bigger in males. Their fingers and toes have round, flat tips, like little discs. Both their fingers and toes are webbed, especially their toes, which are fully webbed.
Their skin is pinkish-brown on top and on their sides. Sometimes, their back has dark speckles or spots. A thin, white line runs from the tip of their nose, over their eye, to the edge of their eyelid. Their throat and chest are a bright yellow-orange. The webbing between their toes and fingers is a deep orange-red color.
Male frogs make a soft, chuckling sound to attract females. This is called an advertisement call.
Where It Lives and How We Protect It
The Malaysian flying frog lives in lowland rainforests. These forests are usually found below 250 meters (about 820 feet) above sea level. Male frogs often gather together and call from branches or plants about 1.5 to 3 meters (5 to 10 feet) off the ground.
Sometimes, you can find many of these frogs in one area. However, their homes are in danger because of habitat loss. This happens when forests are cut down for logging. Luckily, some of these frogs live in protected areas, which helps keep them safe.
