Highland frog
A species of American frogs Scientific name : Lithobates maculatus Genus : American frogs
Highland frog, A species of American frogs
Scientific name: Lithobates maculatus
Genus: American frogs
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Vladlen Henríquez , used under CC-BY-SA-2.5 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The highland frog (Lithobates maculatus) is a species of frog in the Ranidae family found in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, Mexico, and Nicaragua. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, rivers, and freshwater marshes. It is threatened by habitat loss.
General Info
Lifespan
6-8 years
Diet
Highland frog mainly consumes a diet of insects, particularly beetles and spiders, supporting their insectivorous lifestyle. Their feeding habits also include devouring small crustaceans, contributing to a diverse nutrition intake.
Appearance
Highland frog are medium-sized frogs, with smooth skin speckled in a distinctive pattern of green or brown spots against a lighter base. Their hind legs are long and muscular, adapted for efficient jumping. They commonly showcase a bright dorso-lateral fold running down each side from the eye to the hind legs. Sexual dimorphism is evident as females tend to be larger and lighter in color than males.
Behavior
Highland frog typically behaves in ways suited to aquatic environments, featuring nocturnal hunting of small invertebrates. It is largely solitary, with few substantial social interactions. During breeding seasons it exhibits territorial behavior, often aggressively defending its chosen spots. Its survival adaptations include seasonal torpor, aiding in conserving energy during colder months.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By Vladlen Henríquez , used under CC-BY-SA-2.5 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Frogs and toads Family
True frogs Genus
American frogs Species
Highland frog