Morobe big-eyed tree frog

Morobe big-eyed tree frog
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Hylidae
Genus: Nyctimystes
Species: N. trachydermis
Binomial name
Nyctimystes trachydermis
Zweifel, 1983[2]
Synonyms

Litoria trachydermis Zweifel, 1983

The Morobe big-eyed tree frog, Nyctimystes trachydermis, is a species of frog in the Hylidae family, endemic to Papua New Guinea. It occurs in the mountains of southern eastern New Guinea. Its type locality (which it shares with Nyctimystes tyleri[2]) is Gapaia Creek, at 1,280 m (4,200 ft) asl between Garaina and Saureli, in the Morobe Province.[1][3] The specific name trachydermis means "rough skinned", derived from the Greek words trachys and derma.[2]

Description

Nyctimystes trachydermis are relative large frogs, with adult males measuring 72–88 mm (2.8–3.5 in) in snout–vent length. One gravid female measured 76 mm (3.0 in). Dorsal surfaces are roughed throughout with small, mostly conical and white-tipped asperities. Dorsal ground colour varies from dark greenish brown to gray. Some specimens have lighter blotches. Iris is reddish brown with distinct vertical pupil. Tympanum is completely concealed. Vocal sac is absent.[2]

Habitat and conservation

Nyctimystes trachydermis live along small streams in montane rainforests at elevations of 1,280–2,480 m (4,200–8,140 ft) asl. They are locally common.[1]

Sedimentation of streams because of mining is a localized threat. The species is also collected for food, although it is not known whether this is a threat at present.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Richards, S., Zweifel, R. & Kraus, F. (2006). "Nyctimystes trachydermis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN) 2006: e.T55786A11355804. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2004.RLTS.T55786A11355804.en.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Zweifel, R. G. (1983). "Two new hylid frogs from Papua New Guinea and a discussion of the Nyctimystes papua species group". American Museum Novitates 2759: 1–21.
  3. Frost, Darrel R. (2015). "Nyctimystes tyleri Zweifel, 1983". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 29 October 2015.
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