Kingdom Animalia Order Anura Genus Strabomantis Higher classification Craugastor | Phylum Chordata Family Craugastoridae Scientific name Strabomantis anatipes Rank Species | |
Similar Amphibians, Frog, Strabomantis bufoniformis, Strabomantis ruizi, Strabomantis | ||
The anatipes robber frog, scientific name Strabomantis anatipes, is a species of frog in the Craugastoridae family. It is found in the Mira River drainage in extreme northern Ecuador and in adjacent southern Colombia (Nariño, Cauca, and Valle del Cauca Departments) in foothills and lower cloud forest on the Pacific lowlands and slopes of the Cordillera Occidental. It altitudinal range is 100–1,600 m (330–5,250 ft) asl.
Contents
specific name refer to the extensive foot webbing of the species: it is a compound of the Latin anatis (of a duck) and pes (foot).
Description
Strabomantis anatipes is a large species: males measure more than 33 mm (1.3 in) and females >73 mm (2.9 in) in snout–vent length. In males, skin of dorsum bears numerous pimple like spinules and a pair of sinuous postorbital ridges, but is smooth with low tubercles, short ridges, and postorbital ridges in females. They are greenish brown with orangish warts and ridges. Groin, anterior and posterior surfaces of thighs are dull yellow with black reticulation. Throat is white with brown vermiculations. Venter and undersides of limbs are yellow. Iris is bright copper with black flecks and a brown horizontal streak.
Habitat and conservation
The species' natural habitats are forests, from tropical lowland forest to lower cloud forest. It is closely associated with small streams. It is nocturnal, sitting on rocks, very steep cliffs, or in rocky crevices alongside streams.
Strabomantis anatipes is a very uncommon species. It is believed to be declining in abundance. Habitat loss caused by agricultural development, logging, and human settlement is probably the main threat to it. Also pollution from spraying illegal crops is a significant threat.