Kingdom Animalia Order Anura Genus Gastrotheca Higher classification Gastrotheca | Phylum Chordata Family Hemiphractidae Scientific name Gastrotheca riobambae Rank Species | |
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Similar Gastrotheca, Frog, Amphibians, Horned marsupial, Hemiphractidae | ||
The Andean marsupial tree frog, Riobamba marsupial frog or Riobamba pouched frog (Gastrotheca riobambae; in Spanish: rana marsupial andina) is a species of frog in the Hemiphractidae family. It is endemic to Ecuador. The species is confined to the Andes and the inter-Andean valleys, from Imbabura south to Chimborazo. They live in an altitude of 2,200-3,500 meters above sea-level. The Andean marsupial tree frog's habitat varies from the montane forests to the dry rocky hillsides, and from the agave plants to the corn fields. Once a common species, it is threatened by severe habitat loss.
Snout–vent length of Gastrotheca riobambae is about 48 mm (1.9 in). It has a broad, depressed body. Skin is smooth above but granulated below.
Within this genus, the males transfer the eggs from the female's cloaca to their dorsal pouch till they reach development at the tadpole stage. It takes approximately five to six weeks that the eggs stay in the female's pouch. Once they reach the stage as tadpoles, they continue their development in water, and go through metamorphosis in a few weeks time.
Gastrotheca riobambae are sometimes kept as pets.