Kingdom Animalia Order Anura Subfamily Asterophryinae Higher classification Asterophryinae | Phylum Chordata Family Microhylidae Scientific name Asterophrys Rank Genus | |
Lower classifications Asterophrys turpicola, Asterophrys leucopus | ||
Asterophrys is a small genus of microhylid frogs with only two species from New Guinea. Their common name is New Guinea bush frogs, although this name may also specifically refer to Asterophrys turpicola. It sister taxon has been suggested to be either Metamagnusia or Metamagnusia slateri.
Asterophrys are moderate to large-sized microhylid frogs, with the larger Asterophrys turpicola measuring up to 65 mm (2.6 in) in snout–vent length. A distinctive feature of these frogs is their extremely broad head, almost half of snout–vent length. While both are New Guinean species, A. leucopus is more a mountain species than A. turpicola. The latter is known for its aggressiveness (it may even bite), whereas A. leucopus is more docile.
Species
There are two species:
A third, undescribed species may exist in Papua, western New Guinea.