Tepuihyla exophthalma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tepuihyla exophthalma |
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Osteocephalus exophthalmus Smith & Noonan, 2001 |
The Tepuihyla exophthalma is a type of frog that belongs to the Hylidae family, also known as tree frogs. This small frog lives in South America, specifically in Guyana and Venezuela.
Contents
Discovering the Frog
Scientists first officially described this frog in 2001. The very first frog of this kind that scientists studied was found in the Pacaraima Mountains in western Guyana. This area has a special type of forest called sclerophyll forest, where plants have tough, leathery leaves. Scientists saw that these frogs were active at night.
What Does It Look Like?
This frog is the smallest member of its group, called Osteocephalus. It is only a little over 3 centimeters long, which is about the size of a large paperclip!
Its Amazing Eyes
The Tepuihyla exophthalma is famous for its eyes. They are described as "large and bulgy" and "huge and sticking out." In fact, its scientific name, exophthalma, means "bulging eyes." Its eyes are a light brown color with a black cross shape right across the middle. This unique eye pattern helps scientists tell it apart from other frogs.
Body Colors and Skin
The frog's body is brownish on top and a creamy white color underneath. The back part of its thighs is black. The male frogs do not have a very noticeable vocal sac, which is the part that inflates when they croak. Most of its skin is smooth, but it has a few small bumps on its back. Its throat and belly feel a bit grainy.
Where It Lives
After the first frog was found, more Tepuihyla exophthalma frogs were discovered. They were found in Kaieteur National Park in Guyana. They also live across the border in Estado Bolívar, a state in Venezuela. These areas are its natural home.
See also
In Spanish: Tepuihyla exophthalma para niños
