Geographic range:
Neotropical: This frog inhabits the coastal lowlands of México,
Guatemala and El Salvador. It is primarily distributed along the west
coast, from the vicinity of Mazatlán, Sinaloa south to El Salvador.
It occurs in the Atlantic Versant along the Isthmus of Tehuantepec
in Oaxaca and Veracruz, ranging from c. Veracruz to the Tabasco border.
From sea level to around 980 m.
Physical characteristics: A very
small frog with smooth skin, a pointed head and narrow snout. Despite
the narrow head it has a broad waist. The skin is smooth, yet glandular,
and the frog produces a toxic secretion. An inconspicuous fold is
present on the back of the head. The ground coloration varies, and
may be tan, brown, grey or reddish. A light mid-dorsal stripe is usually
present on the dorsum. This species is readily distinguished from
all other Gastrophryne because it has two metatarsal tubercles on
each hind foot. Hypopachus also has
two tubercles, and the mid-dorsal line, yet it differs by it's much
larger size and webbed hind toes. G. usta
does not have webbed hind toes.
Taxonomy: No subspecies recognized.
Food habits: It feeds on small invertebrates,
especially ant and termites.
Behavior: : This frog is strictly
nocturnal, and usually active only during periods of heavy summer
rains. During periods of inactivity, it seeks shelter in burrows,
beneath fallen vegetation, under rocks, or other surface debris.
Reproduction: It
breeds in flooded fields, rain pools, road side ditches and other
temporary waters. It calls from the edge of pools, usually from within
grass or vegetation. The call is 2 second buzz.
Habitat: This species is restricted to tropical deciduous forest,
thornscrub, tropical savannas and agricultural areas.
Biomes: grassland, tropical forest
Conservation: This is a common frog,
though rarely encountered and significantly easier to hear than to
find!
text by Chris
Grünwald |
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