Leptodactylus syphax is a species of frog in the family Leptodactylidae. It is found in extreme eastern Bolivia, central to northeastern Brazil, and Paraguay.[2][3] Common names basin white-lipped frog and whistling foam frog have been coined for it.[2]

Leptodactylus syphax
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Leptodactylidae
Genus: Leptodactylus
Species:
L. syphax
Binomial name
Leptodactylus syphax
Bokermann [fr], 1969

Etymology edit

The specific name syphax is Greek meaning "sweet new wine" and alludes to the bright red color seen in the groin, belly, and ventral surfaces of the thighs and shanks in some living specimens.[3]

Description edit

Adult males measure 58–83 mm (2.3–3.3 in) and adult females 71–90 mm (2.8–3.5 in) in snout–vent length. The tympanum is distinct. Neither dorsal folds nor dorsolateral folds are present; lateral folds are also absent or are largely interrupted. Most specimens have a glandular dorsum with muted, tile-like dorsal pattern of darker and lighter browns. Light upper lip stripe is not present. The belly has light to moderate mottling and light gray or brown markings.[3]

The tadpoles grow to 44 mm (1.7 in) in total length (Gosner stage 41).[3]

Habitat and conservation edit

Leptodactylus syphax occurs in open areas, often rocky outcrops, in rock or termite cavities. The tadpoles develop in standing bodies of water, such as quiet side pools of streams. This species can be common in ideal habitat situations, but not otherwise. Overgrazing, agricultural intensification, and fire might be local threats. Its range overlaps with several protected areas.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ a b Ronald Heyer, Steffen Reichle, Débora Silvano, Lucy Aquino (2004). "Leptodactylus syphax". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2004: e.T57169A11594929. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2004.RLTS.T57169A11594929.en. Retrieved 17 November 2021.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ a b c Frost, Darrel R. (2018). "Leptodactylus syphax Bokermann, 1969". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 22 July 2018.
  3. ^ a b c d de Sá, Rafael O.; Grant, Taran; Camargo, Arley; Heyer, W. Ronald; Ponssa, Maria L. & Stanley, Edward (2014). "Systematics of the Neotropical genus Leptodactylus Fitzinger, 1826 (Anura: Leptodactylidae): Phylogeny, the relevance of non-molecular evidence, and species accounts". South American Journal of Herpetology. 9 (Spec. Issue 1): S1–S100. doi:10.2994/sajh-d-13-00022.1. hdl:11336/12350. S2CID 85800078.