Rhinella ruizi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rhinella ruizi |
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Rhamphophryne ruizi Grant, 2000 "1999" |
Rhinella ruizi is a type of toad that belongs to the Bufonidae family, which includes many different kinds of toads. This special toad lives only in one specific area: the Central Mountain Range in Antioquia, Colombia. When scientists named this toad, they honored a Colombian expert on amphibians and reptiles named Pedro Miguel Ruiz-Carranza.
Contents
What Does Rhinella ruizi Look Like?
Size and Shape
Adult male Rhinella ruizi toads are about 36 to 39 millimeters long from their snout to their rear end. That's roughly 1.4 to 1.5 inches. Female toads are a bit larger, measuring about 39 to 50 millimeters (1.5 to 2 inches).
The toad's head is shaped like a triangle and is a little wider than it is long. Its snout, which is the front part of its head, is pointed, and sometimes it can look a bit rounded or bulging.
Special Features
This toad does not have a visible eardrum (tympanum). It has special glands called parotoid glands, which are well-developed. These glands are often found behind the eyes of toads and can produce toxins for defense.
The fingers and toes of Rhinella ruizi are short. They also have webbing between them, which helps the toad move around. The tips of their fingers and toes are rounded, like small bulbs.
Color and Markings
The back of the toad, called the dorsum, can be different shades of brown. It might be light brown, dark brown, or even a reddish-brown color. A distinct line runs down the middle of its back. This line can be yellow, green, or cream-colored, and it usually has black lines on either side of it.
Where Does Rhinella ruizi Live?
Habitat and Environment
Rhinella ruizi lives in high mountain forests in the Andes. These forests are found at elevations between 2,330 and 3,100 meters (about 7,640 to 10,170 feet) above sea level. This means they live in cool, moist environments high up in the mountains.
Life Cycle and Development
Unlike many frogs and toads that lay eggs that hatch into tadpoles, Rhinella ruizi likely has a "direct development" life cycle. This means that instead of having a free-swimming tadpole stage, the eggs probably hatch directly into tiny toadlets that look like miniature adults.
Conservation Status
This toad is quite common in the areas where it lives. It can even handle a small amount of changes or disturbances to its habitat. However, the main dangers to Rhinella ruizi are habitat loss and damage to its environment. This happens because of things like:
- Farming and growing crops
- Raising livestock (like cows or sheep)
- Cities and towns expanding into their natural areas
See also
In Spanish: Rhinella ruizi para niños
