Starrett's glass frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Starrett's glass frog |
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Centrolenella vireovittata Starrett and Savage, 1973 |
The Hyalinobatrachium vireovittatum, also known as Starrett's glass frog, is a small and unique type of frog. It belongs to the family Centrolenidae, which are famous for their see-through skin. This special frog can be found in parts of Costa Rica and west-central Panama.
Scientists are still studying exactly where all populations of this frog live. Some believe that many frogs thought to be Starrett's glass frog are actually a very similar species called Hyalinobatrachium talamancae. The true Starrett's glass frog might only live in a specific area called San Isidro de El General.
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About Starrett's Glass Frog
Starrett's glass frogs are known for their amazing, almost transparent skin. If you look at their belly, you can often see their internal organs, like their heart, liver, and intestines! This unique feature gives them their "glass frog" name.
Where Do They Live?
These frogs live in humid montane forests. "Montane" means they live in areas with mountains. They prefer places where the air is moist and cool. You can often spot them in bushes and trees that grow along forest streams.
Their Home and Life Cycle
Starrett's glass frogs spend most of their time in the trees and bushes. But when it's time to lay eggs, they usually do so on leaves that hang over water. When the tadpoles hatch, they drop into the streams below. The tadpoles then grow and develop in these streams until they are ready to become adult frogs.
Why Are They Special?
Glass frogs are very important to their forest homes. They are part of the food web, eating small insects and being food for larger animals. Their presence helps keep the forest ecosystem healthy.
Unfortunately, Starrett's glass frog is facing challenges. Their natural habitat is shrinking because of habitat loss. This happens when forests are cut down for farming, building, or other human activities. Protecting their forest homes is very important for their survival.
Who Was Priscilla Starrett?
This fascinating frog was named after an American scientist named Priscilla Hollister Starrett. She was a herpetologist, which is a scientist who studies amphibians (like frogs) and reptiles. Naming a species after a person is a way to honor their contributions to science.
See also
In Spanish: Hyalinobatrachium vireovittatum para niños
