Theloderma corticale

Theloderma corticale (common names: mossy frog,[3] Vietnamese mossy frog,[4] Tonkin bug-eyed frog, moss bug-eyed frog,[2] and [for the formerly recognized Theloderma kwangsiense] Kwangsi warty treefrog) is a species of frog in the family Rhacophoridae. It is found in northern Vietnam, south–central Laos, and southern China (Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Yunnan).[2]

Theloderma corticale
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Rhacophoridae
Genus: Theloderma
Species:
T. corticale
Binomial name
Theloderma corticale
(Boulenger, 1903)
Synonyms[2]
  • Rhacophorus corticalis Boulenger, 1903
  • Rhacophorus fruhstorferi Ahl, 1927
  • Theloderma kwangsiense (Liu and Hu, 1962)
  • Rhacophorus leprosus ssp. kwangsiensis Liu and Hu, 1962
  • Theloderma leporosa ssp. kwangsiensis (Liu and Hu, 1962)

Description

The common name "mossy frog" arises from the fact that its skin is a mottled green and brown that resembles moss growing on rock, and forms an effective form of camouflage. They have large sticky pads on their toes and a soft underbelly. They measure about 61 mm (2.4 in) in snout–vent length.[5] The females will grow larger than the males and can reach sizes of 8–9 cm (3.1–3.5 in). This species will curl into a ball when frightened, and play dead.[3][4]

  • Three individuals camouflaged on a rock face
    Three individuals camouflaged on a rock face
  • An individual camouflaged on a mossy surface
    An individual camouflaged on a mossy surface

Habitat

Its natural habitats are primarily evergreen rainforests and subtropical forest where they have been found inside pools in hollowed logs, placed by the local villagers. It is a semi-aquatic that is found in caves and steep rocky cliffs. Breeding takes place in rock cavities or tree holes.[1][3][4]

Diet

Its diet consists of crickets, cockroaches, and earthworms.

Conservation

Its habitat is threatened by forest loss. It is also collected for the international pet trade. Like many amphibians, the Vietnamese mossy frog is vulnerable to the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Nonetheless, the conservation of this species is classified as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.[1]

References
  1. IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2017). "Theloderma corticale". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T59033A87476136. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T59033A87476136.en. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  2. Frost, Darrel R. (2022). "Theloderma corticale (Boulenger, 1903)". Amphibian Species of the World: An Online Reference. Version 6.1. American Museum of Natural History. doi:10.5531/db.vz.0001. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  3. "Mossy Frog (Theloderma corticale)". World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Retrieved 6 September 2015.
  4. "Vietnamese Mossy Frog (Theloderma corticale)". Newquay Zoo. Retrieved 6 September 2015.
  5. Fei, L. (1999). Atlas of Amphibians of China (in Chinese). Zhengzhou: Henan Press of Science and Technology. p. 266. ISBN 7-5349-1835-9.
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