Stereocyclops parkeri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stereocyclops parkeri |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Hypopachus parkeri Wettstein, 1934 |
The Stereocyclops parkeri is a type of frog. It belongs to a group of frogs called Microhylidae. This special frog lives only in southeastern Brazil. You can find it in parts of the Rio de Janeiro state and on Ilha de São Sebastião (also known as "Ilhabela") in the São Paulo state. For a while, people thought it was the same as another frog, Stereocyclops incrassatus. But now, scientists know it is its own unique species!
What's in a Name?
This frog's name, parkeri, is a special way to honor someone. It was named after Hampton Wildman Parker. He was an English scientist who studied animals, especially reptiles and amphibians. Sometimes, people call this frog the Parker's Brazilian dumpy frog.
What Does it Look Like?
The Stereocyclops parkeri frog is about 40 mm (1.6 in) long from its snout to its bottom. That's about the length of a golf ball! Its appearance helps it blend in with its surroundings. This is called being cryptic.
How Does it Behave?
This frog has a very clever way to hide from danger. When something bothers it, the frog makes a short jump. It then lands with its legs stretched out behind it. It stays very still, sometimes for as long as 30 minutes! This makes it look like a leaf that has fallen. It might even move a little bit, like a leaf being flicked by the wind.
Other frogs, like Proceratophrys belzebul and Zachaenus parvulus, show similar behaviors. When different animals that are not closely related develop similar traits, it's called convergent evolution. It means they found the same good way to solve a problem, like hiding from predators!
Where Does it Live?
The Stereocyclops parkeri frog lives near the coast in restinga scrub forests. It also likes forest edges and both old and new forests near the sea. These frogs usually live hidden in the leaf litter on the ground.
On Ilhabela, some males were even found singing together in a flooded grassy area in a city lot. However, this frog's home is at risk. Things like fires, too much tourism, and new human settlements can harm its habitat.
