Rhinodermatidae

Rhinodermatidae
Darwin's frog (Rhinoderma darwinii)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Suborder: Neobatrachia
Family: Rhinodermatidae
Genus: Rhinoderma
Duméril & Bibron, 1841
Species

R. darwinii
R. rufum

Distribution of Rhinodermatidae (in black)

The Rhinodermatidae, commonly known as Darwin's frogs, are a family of small frogs found on the southwest coast of South America.[1] The monotypic genus (Rhinoderma), has just two species, of which the Chile Darwin's frog (R. rufum) is highly endangered or may already be extinct. The better-known Darwin's frog (R. darwinii) is vulnerable.

Both species are notable for their unusual breeding, with the tadpoles being raised inside the mouths of the males.[1] The eggs are laid on the ground. The male frog transports the tadpoles into his enlarged vocal sac. In the Chile Darwin's frog, the tadpoles are transported to a water source and released for the duration of their development. In Darwin's frog, they reside in the vocal sac until metamorphosis. They may carry between five and 15 offspring. Darwin's frogs are separated into a separate family based purely upon this behavioural adaptation, which is unique among frogs.

Darwin's frogs are small, reaching a size of only 3 cm (1.2 in) in length.[1] They are predominantly green frogs, with patches of brown, and have long, narrow noses. They are primarily terrestrial.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Zweifel, Robert G. (1998). Cogger, H.G. & Zweifel, R.G., ed. Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians. San Diego: Academic Press. p. 103. ISBN 0-12-178560-2.