Geographic range:
Neotropical: Along the coastal plain of western México
from the central Jalisco coast south to central Oaxaca. An inhabitant
of the coastal plain and associated foothills. From sea level to at
least 400 m.
Physical characteristics:
A small treefrog with an orange to orange-tan ground coloration.
Dark flecks or broken reticulation is present on the dorsum, which
usually forms chevrons or an X like pattern. A dark interorbital bar
is present.
Food habits:
Feeds on small invertebrates.
Reproduction:
Breeding occurs during the onset of the rainy season. Males call at
night, usually from shrubs, bushes and small trees emerging out of
or extending over temporary waters. The mating call is a insect like
chirp, usually consisting of a paired primary note and numerous singular
follow-up notes. (Duellman, 2001).
Habitat: An inhabitant of tropical deciduous forest, savannas
and agricultural areas. It breeds in temporary waters such as road
side ditches, flooded fields and rain pools.
Biomes:
tropical rainforest, tropical deciduous forest
Conservation: Endemic to México.
Although this frog is not commonly encountered, it is not as rare
as formerly believed. Although some authors have noted that this frog
may be very sensitive to human disturbance, it has been found to be
breeding successfully in agriculturally modified land at several localities
in Colima. The lack of records in much of it's range is likely due
to it's short breeding activity and similarity in call to the more
common H. smithi.
text by Chris
Grünwald |
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