Just making myself at home.

Reddish Rapidana (Scinax ruber)

Reddish Rapidana (Scinax ruber)

Cute Frog of the Week: July 9, 2012

This frog may be a “pest” but he sure is cute! The reddish rapidana (Scinax ruber) is listed as a species of “least concern” because of its large and pervasive populations. The species can be found in a variety of habitats, such as ponds, rainforest clearings, roadside ditches and public parks. The egg clutches of this frog can contain up to 590 eggs! The female Rapidanas are larger than the males and typically have brown or grey coloring, and variations in species morphology throughout this species’ wide range make taxonomists believe that what we currently call Scinax ruber is in fact a complex of several closely related species. Besides living in many South American countries, these frogs have been introduced to the islands of Martinique, Puerto Rico, and Saint Lucia, where it is considered an invasive species.

The acute treefrog (Scinax sugillatus) can be found in banana groves throughout Colombia and Ecuador. It also lives on forest edges and in open areas, typically at an elevation range of 20 -500 meters. In addition, the acute treefrog lays its eggs in water, so tadpoles develop in ponds. The acute treefrog is considered a species of “least concern” by the IUCN and doesn’t currently seem to face any serious threats. That means we can continue to enjoy its cuteness!

Have you seen one? If so, send in your photo to the global amphibian bioblitz and claim the first observation!

Photo by Alejandro Arteaga via Flickr.

Every week the Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project posts a new photo of a cute frog from anywhere in the world with an interesting, fun and unique story to tell. Be sure to check back every Monday for the latest addition.

Send us your own cute frogs by uploading your photos here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/cutefrogoftheweek/