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Family: Craugastoridae
Frog, more... (es: Ranita, Sapito)
[Eleutherodactylus melanostictus (Cope, 1875), moreEleutherodactylus platyrhynchus (Günther, 1900)] |
Adult: Species description based on Savage (2002). A medium-large frog that is quite variable in coloration. Males to 43 mm, females to 56 mm. Dorsal: Dorsal coloration ranges from light to dark brown overlaid with colorful blotches and markings (pink, red, orange, yellow or green). The middorsal stripe ranges in color from tan to darker brown to yellow or red, and also varies in width from very thin to rather broad among individuals. The dorsal surface is mostly smooth with some large warts or tubercules. Ventral: Ventral coloration ranges from solid white to white overlaid with light or extensive spotting or blotches. The ventral surface is bumpy. Distinguishing characteristics: Craugastor melanostictus has dark barring on the upper surfaces of the thighs that continues onto the rear surfaces of the thighs. The background color on the thighs ranged from bright pink or red to orange to yellow to green. The tympanum is internal and not as prominent as in other species. Eye: The upper half of the iris is copper gold, the lower half darker brown. Extremities: Feet are unwebbed (Savage 2002). The two middle fingers of the hands have very large toe disks. Egg: Craugastor melanostictus may deposit egg clutches in sandy banks along streams (Lips 1998). Habitat: Montane forest between 1150-2700 m. Ecology: Craugastor melanostictus is active at night (Savage 2002). It may be found hiding under fallen trees or rocks or in bromeliads during the day, and perched on vegetation a meter or so above the ground at night (Savage 2002). This species has experienced declines in at least part of its range, even in protected areas such as Las Tablas, Costa Rica (Lips 1998). Karyotype: 2N = 22 (Savage and DeWeese 1981). Type locality: Cerro Utyum, 7000 ft, Cantón de Talamanca, Provincia de Limón; 2134 m (Costa Rica) Distribution in Costa Rica: In mid and highland ridges Tilarán Central Volcanic and Talamanca, between 1,150 and 2,700 m. Lift (Savage 2002). Populations of this species throughout its range disappeared in Costa Rica in the early 90's. This species has not been seen since. Habitat: They live in cloud forests. Reproduction: Encapsulated produce eggs which are laid in terrestrial conditions, with direct development (no tadpoles) (Savage 2002). Distribution in Costa Rica: In mid and highland ridges Tilarán Central Volcanic and Talamanca, between 1,150 and 2,700 m. Lift (Savage 2002). Populations of this species throughout its range disappeared in Costa Rica in the early 90's. This species has not been seen since. Distribution outside Costa Rica: It is found from the Cordillera de Tilarán, Costa Rica, to the mountains of Chiriqui in western Panama. |