Spinomantis massi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spinomantis massi |
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Spinomantis
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massi
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The Spinomantis massi is a type of frog that belongs to the mantellid family. It lives only in the wet forests of northwestern Madagascar. This means it is endemic to that area.
Discovering the Spinomantis massi Frog
This frog was first described in 1994 by two scientists, Frank Glaw and Miguel Vences. They named the species massi. They chose this name to celebrate the marriage of Frank Glaw's daughter, Andrea Mass, and her husband, Robert Mass.
What Does the Spinomantis massi Look Like?
Adult male Spinomantis massi frogs are about 33–42 mm (1.3–1.7 in) long from their snout (nose) to their vent (bottom). This measurement is called snout-vent length (SVL). The only adult female frog found was about 38 mm (1.5 in) long.
The frog's head is wider than it is long. It has a clear tympanum, which is like an eardrum on the side of its head. Its fingers and toes have large, triangle-shaped pads. Male frogs also have a special pouch under their throat called a vocal sac. They use this sac to make calls.
Home and Habits of the Spinomantis massi
The Spinomantis massi frog lives in primary forests, which are old, untouched forests. You can find them near streams. They live at elevations from 300–1,750 m (980–5,740 ft) above sea level.
This frog is an arboreal species. This means it spends most of its time living in trees and bushes. It also lays its eggs and raises its young in streams.
Sadly, the Spinomantis massi frog is facing threats. Its habitat (the place where it lives) is shrinking. This is happening because of human activities. People are clearing forests for farming, cutting down trees for wood, and making charcoal. New human settlements are also growing. These actions destroy the frog's home.
