Scutiger mammatus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Scutiger mammatus |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Megophryidae |
| Genus: | Scutiger |
| Species: |
S. mammatus
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| Binomial name | |
| Scutiger mammatus (Günther, 1896)
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| Synonyms | |
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The Scutiger mammatus is a type of frog also known as the Tungsolo lazy toad or spiny-chest cat-eyed toad. It belongs to the Megophryidae family, which includes many types of frogs and toads. This special toad is found only in Western China. It lives in areas like eastern Tibet, southeastern Qinghai, western Sichuan, and northwestern Yunnan. Being "endemic" means it naturally lives in just one specific part of the world.
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What Does the Tungsolo Lazy Toad Look Like?
These toads are not very big. Adult male toads are usually about 62 to 81 millimeters long from their snout to their rear. Female toads are a bit smaller, measuring about 61 to 78 millimeters. Some studies show males might be a bit shorter, around 60 to 72 millimeters.
Body Features
The Tungsolo lazy toad has a wide, flat head. Its eardrum, called a tympanum, is small and hidden under its skin. Its toes are partly webbed, which helps it move in water. Male toads have special rough bumps, called nuptial spines, on their first two fingers. They also have two clear glands on their chest covered with strong spines. These toads do not have a vocal sac, which is what many frogs use to make loud calls.
Tadpoles of the Tungsolo Lazy Toad
The young toads, called tadpoles, are made for living in fast-moving water. Their bodies are long and flat, which helps them stay low in the current. They also have long tails for swimming. These tadpoles can grow up to 80 millimeters long in total. About one-third of their total length is their body, and the rest is their tail.
Where Do Tungsolo Lazy Toads Live?
Scutiger mammatus lives in high mountain areas. You can find them near small to medium-sized streams that flow gently. They also live in wet areas like marshy spots fed by springs. These toads prefer sub-alpine and alpine regions, which means they live at very high elevations. They are found from about 2,600 to 4,200 meters above sea level.
Conservation and Safety
This type of toad is quite common in the places where it lives. Scientists do not know of any major threats to them right now. However, too much overgrazing by animals like sheep or goats could be a problem. This is because overgrazing can damage their habitat. Luckily, many areas where these toads live are protected. This helps keep their homes safe.
 | James B. Knighten |
 | Azellia White |
 | Willa Brown |
