| Cricket Frog | |
|---|---|
| A Cricket Frog from South India | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Ranidae |
| Genus: | Fejervarya |
| Species: | F. limnocharis |
| Binomial name | |
| Fejervarya limnocharis (Gravenhorst, 1829) |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Limonectes limnocharis |
|
The Cricket Frog (Fejervarya (Rana) limnocharis) is a species of frog found widely distributed in South Asia. Molecular studies of the species complex suggest that there may be multiple species involved.
Contents |
The following description is from Boulenger[1]
Very closely allied to Rana tigrina, from which it differs in its smaller size, half-webbed toes, slight development of the fringe on the fifth toe, and usually in the presence of a small outer metatarsal tubercle. The length and shape of the snout, the size of the inner metatarsal tubercle, and the relative length of the hind limbs and of the fourth toe vary to an extraordinary degree. The tibio-tarsal articulation usually reaches the eye, or between the latter and the end of the snout; but in some specimens (var. brevipalmata, from Pegu and S. India) it reaches considerably beyond the end of the snout, and the foot measures two thirds the distance between the end of the snout and the vent Greenish or olive, with darker spots; a light vertebral line or band frequently present; sometimes a light line along the inner side of the leg; sides of thighs black-marbled; throat of male usually with two large black blotches, sometimes connected and forming a 'M'.[1]
This species measures 2-5 inches from snout to vent.
The species forms a complex with several genetic variants that may represent multiple species.[2][3]
A widely distributed species, extending from China and Southern Japan, throughout India, Sri Lanka, and Burma to the Malay Peninsula and Archipelago. In the Himalayas (Sikkim) it occurs up to 7000 feet. Stoliczka observed that it usually does not hesitate to take to the sea or brackish water.[1] In Pakistan it occurs in the Indus drainage from the delta north at least to Rawalpindi.[4]