Mexican fringe-limbed treefrog facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mexican fringe-limbed treefrog
Specimen representing lineage 3 of Zarza and colleagues
Specimen representing lineage 7 of Zarza and colleagues
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Hylidae
Genus:	Sarcohyla
Species:	S. bistincta
Binomial name
Sarcohyla bistincta (Cope, 1877)
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Synonyms
Hyla bistincta Cope, 1877 Plectrohyla bistincta (Cope, 1877)

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The Mexican fringe-limbed treefrog, also called Cope's streamside treefrog, is a type of frog. Its scientific name is Sarcohyla bistincta. These frogs live only in Mexico. They are found in many places, from Sinaloa and Durango in the south to Veracruz and Oaxaca. Scientists think that what we call Sarcohyla bistincta might actually be several different frog species.

What Does the Mexican Fringe-Limbed Treefrog Look Like?

Male frogs grow to about 57 millimeters (2.2 inches) long. Females are a bit bigger, reaching about 60 millimeters (2.4 inches). Their heads are wider than they are long. The front part of their head, called the snout, is short and rounded.

Body Features

The frog's eardrum, called the tympanum, is easy to see. However, a fold of skin partly covers it. Their fingers are long and thin with medium-sized pads at the ends. There is only a tiny bit of webbing between their fingers. Their toes are also long and thin, with pads slightly smaller than those on their fingers. Their toes are partly webbed.

Skin and Color

The skin on their back is smooth. But the skin on their belly is bumpy. Their color can be yellowish-brown to dark brown. Young frogs in some areas might even be greenish. The sides of their body are yellow or light brownish-tan. They have dark brown or black lines that connect together on their sides.

The back of their thighs is blackish with bright yellow spots. These yellow spots also appear on the front of their thighs. Their bellies are usually light yellow. Sometimes, they have a few dark, worm-like marks, especially on their throat and chest. Their eyes have a deep reddish-bronze color.

Where Do Mexican Fringe-Limbed Treefrogs Live?

Sarcohyla bistincta frogs live in forests. These forests are usually made of pine and oak trees, or pine and fir trees. They are found at high places, from about 1,219 to 2,900 meters (4,000 to 9,500 feet) above sea level. They often live near streams.

Frog Behavior and Habitat

You can often spot these frogs sitting on large rocks near streams. They also like to sit on plants or tree roots that are exposed. Sometimes, they are found far from water. These frogs lay their eggs and have their young in streams.

Conservation Status

The Mexican fringe-limbed treefrog is facing threats. Their homes are being destroyed, which is called habitat loss. They might also be threatened by a frog disease called chytridiomycosis. Luckily, some areas where they live are protected. This helps keep them safe.