Hemiphractus proboscideus, or the Sumaco horned treefrog, is a species of frog in the family Hemiphractidae. It is found in the upper Amazon basin in extreme southwestern Colombia (Amazonas and Caquetá Departments), Ecuador, and northern Peru.[2][3][4]
| Hemiphractus proboscideus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Hemiphractidae |
| Genus: | Hemiphractus |
| Species: | H. proboscideus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Hemiphractus proboscideus (Jiménez de la Espada, 1870)
| |
| Synonyms | |
|
Cerathyla proboscidea Jiménez de la Espada, 1870 | |
Description edit
Males measure 43–50 mm (1.7–2.0 in) and females 52–67 mm (2.0–2.6 in) in snout–vent length. The head is triangular in dorsal view. Snout is elongated to a proboscis, and there is a large conical and several small tubercles on the eyes. At night, the body is yellowish with brown diagonal or transverse bars and with crossbars in the extremities; the belly is grayish-cream to white. By day, the back is brown with darker brown markings; the ventral surface is brown to reddish brown with orange or yellow spots on the belly, and yellow or white spots on the gular region. Tongue is orange.[4]
Reproduction and behaviour edit
Reproduction seems to occur throughout year as juveniles have been encountered during all months. Development is direct, and the female carries her eggs on her back.[4]
Hemiphractus proboscideus is a predatory species that eats other frogs. At night, they are typically found sitting on low vegetation.[1][4] When disturbed, the frog will open its mouth to show its bright-coloured tongue. They can deliver a strong bite.[4]
Habitat and conservation edit
Its natural habitats are moist tropical forest at elevations of 100–1,200 m (330–3,940 ft) asl. It is a rare species. No major threats have been identified, but it has declined in Ecuador for unknown reasons. Its range includes several protected areas.[1]
References edit
- ^ a b c IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2018). "Hemiphractus proboscideus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T55370A85898013. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T55370A85898013.en. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
- ^ Frost, Darrel R. (2015). "Hemiphractus proboscideus (Jiménez de la Espada, 1870)". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 9 August 2015.
- ^ Acosta-Galvis, A.R. (2015). "Hemiphractus proboscideus (Jiménez de la Espada, 1871)". Lista de los Anfibios de Colombia V.05.2015. www.batrachia.com. Retrieved 9 August 2015.
- ^ a b c d e Ortiz, D. A. (2013–2015). "Hyloxalus mystax". Ron, S. R., Guayasamin, J. M., Yanez-Muñoz, M. H., Merino-Viteri, A., Ortiz, D. A. and Nicolalde, D. A. 2014. AmphibiaWebEcuador. Version 2014.0. Museo de Zoología, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (QCAZ). Retrieved 9 August 2015.