Bringing polka dots back.

Dark-spotted frog (Rana nigromaculata)

Dark-spotted frog (Rana nigromaculata)

Cute Frog of the Week: April 23, 2012

The dark-spotted frog (Rana nigromaculata) sports stylish dark grey spots on its olive skin. Found in Japan, Korea, China, and the Far East of Russia, this near-threatened frog lives in stagnant water in meadows, forests and deserts; it has a particular soft spot for rice paddies. In fact, diversifying crops are one factor causing trouble for these frogs. Other threats include the live animal trade, harvesting for food, and water pollution. Each year, dark-spotted frogs hibernate from between late September and November to between February and May; they reproduce after they wake up from their long, refreshing rest.

Photo by Shouma Sejima via Arkive.

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/