Hyloxalus maculosus
| Hyloxalus maculosus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Dendrobatidae |
| Genus: | Hyloxalus |
| Species: | H. maculosus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Hyloxalus maculosus (Rivero, 1991)
| |
| Synonyms | |
|
Colostethus maculosus Rivero, 1991 | |
Hyloxalus maculosus, also known as spotted rocket frog, is a species of frogs in the family Dendrobatidae. It is endemic to the eastern slopes of Ecuadorian Andes in Napo and Pastaza provinces at elevations of 342 to 1,225 m (1,122 to 4,019 ft) asl.[1][2][3][4]
Taxonomy
[edit]Hyloxalus maculosus has been considered a synonym of Hyloxalus bocagei,[5] but it is now treated as a valid species, though within the Hyloxalus bocagei species complex.[2][6] In addition to morphological differences in both tadpoles and adults, male call parameters differ between Hyloxalus maculosus and Hyloxalus bocagei.[6]
Description
[edit]Males measure 20–25 mm (0.79–0.98 in) and females 22–29 mm (0.87–1.14 in) in snout–vent length. Dorsum is reddish-brown, more reddish posteriorly and in the hind limbs. There are brighter reddish-brown spots posterior to eyes and on arms at the arm-body junction. An oblique lateral stripe is present; it is complete but becoming diffused anteriorly or incomplete. Toe webbing is extensive.[3][6]
The male call is a long trill composed of paired pulsed notes. Tadpoles measure up to 37 mm (1.5 in) in total length, and newly metamorphosed juveniles about 10–11 mm (0.39–0.43 in).[6]
Etymology
[edit]Scientists gave this frog the scientific name maculosus for "spotted" or "mottled," referring to its dorsal coloration.[4]
Habitat and conservation
[edit]The range of Hyloxalus maculosus is within lowland evergreen forest and foothill evergreen forest vegetation zones. Males have been found calling on rocky streams at both sides of a road and inside water ducts that cross under the road. One male carrying nine tadpoles was found near a tiny pond, on a rocky stream surrounded by pasture. Tadpoles have been found in slow-running water in the ditch.[6] The tadpoles are translucent in color with a brown stripe on the back. There are two pale dots near the oral disk.[4]
The International Union for Conservation of Nature assessed Hyloxalus maculosus as "data deficient" in 2008,[1] but Páez-Vacas and her colleagues suggested in 2010 that it should be considered as "Critically Endangered" because of its small range and habitat loss occurring in that range.[6] In 2023, the IUCN released a new assessment, classifying the frog as "endangered". Principal threats include water pollution and deforestation in favor of agriculture, logging, and cattle husbandry.[1]
The frog was found near two protected parks, and scientists infer that its range may include both Parque Nacional Llanganates and Parque Nacional Sangay.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2023). "Spotted rocket frog: Hyloxalus maculosus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2023: e.T135881A98657540. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2023-1.RLTS.T135881A98657540.en. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
- ^ a b Frost, Darrel R. (2024). "Hyloxalus maculosus (Rivero, 1991)". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.2. American Museum of Natural History. doi:10.5531/db.vz.0001. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
- ^ a b Ortiz, D.A.; Vallejo, A. & Coloma, L.A. (2022). Ron, S. R.; Merino-Viteri, A. & Ortiz, D. A. (eds.). "Hyloxalus maculosus". Anfibios del Ecuador. Version 2024.0. Museo de Zoología, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
- ^ a b c Diego A. Ortiz; Andrea Vallejo; Luis A. Coloma (April 30, 2013). "Hyloxalus maculosus (Rivero, 1991)". AmphibiaWeb (in Spanish). University of California, Berkeley. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
- ^ Coloma, L. A. (1995). "Ecuadorian frogs of the genus Colostethus (Anura: Dendrobatidae)". Miscellaneous Publication, Museum of Natural History, University of Kansas. 87: 1–72.
- ^ a b c d e f Páez-Vacas, M.; L. A. Coloma & J. C. Santos (2010). "Systematics of the Hyloxalus bocagei complex (Anura: Dendrobatidae), description of two new cryptic species, and recognition of H. maculosus". Zootaxa. 2711: 1–75.