Stefania facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Stefania
Stefania evansi
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Hemiphractidae
Genus:	Stefania Rivero, 1968
Type species
Hyla evansi Boulenger, 1904
Diversity
19 species (see text)

Stefania is a group of frogs, also known as carrying frogs. They belong to the family Hemiphractidae. These special frogs live in the high mountains of the Guiana Shield. This area includes parts of southern Venezuela, Guyana, and northern Brazil.

Most Stefania frogs live on flat-topped mountains called tepuis. However, one type, S. evansi, can also be found in lower areas. Usually, you'll find only one or two kinds of Stefania frogs on a mountain. But on Mount Ayanganna, there are five different species! And on nearby Mount Wokomung, there are six. These frogs often live near streams. You might spot them on branches, leaves, or on the ground among plants and rocks.

Amazing Reproduction: How Stefania Frogs Have Babies

Stefania frogs are famous for their unique way of having babies. Unlike most frogs, they don't lay their eggs in water for tadpoles to swim freely. Instead, the female frog carries her eggs on her back!

• The eggs stay on the mother's back until they hatch.
• When they hatch, tiny froglets (miniature frogs) come out.
• There is no tadpole stage that swims in water. The whole development from egg to froglet happens right on the mother's back.

This special behavior is why they are sometimes called "carrying frogs." Other frogs in the same family, Hemiphractidae, also show similar ways of caring for their young.

Species of Stefania Frogs

There are 19 known species of Stefania frogs. Each one is unique!

See also

In Spanish: Stefania para niños