Leptopelis grandiceps

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Leptopelis grandiceps
Leptopelis grandiceps on tree branch.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Arthroleptidae
Genus: Leptopelis
Species:
L. grandiceps
Binomial name
Leptopelis grandiceps
Ahl, 1929 [1]

Leptopelis grandiceps, the large headed forest treefrog, is a species of small tree frog. Females are thought to be larger than males based on the male lectotype and female allotype. They are endemic to the Eastern Arc Mountains in Tanzania, where they inhabit forests near a water source. It's closely related to L. barbouri and L. uluguruensis . It's listed Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and populations are thought to be decreasing. Notably, L. grandiceps has a controversial nomenclature history.

Contents

Nomenclature

L. grandiceps has a convoluted nomenclature history. Most of which is due to renaming and reclassifying frogs without examining the frog collection/type.

A collection of frogs (2 adult females and 9 juveniles) were initially identified as L. aubryi, but later controversially differentiated into a new species called L. barbouri. This was done after the collection was described in greater detail than the original description by an author, Ahl (1929), who had never seen the collection. [2]

Later, Schiøtz (1975) added some males from the Dabaga forest to the L. barbouri collection which looked different from the females in the original collection. He hypothesised that the morphological differences might be due to sexual dimorphism or population-level differentiation and referred to them as L. barbouri. [2]

Later, a study ( Gvoždík, Tillack, Menegon, and Loader, 2014 [2] ) found that the female type of L. barbouri was morphologically very different from what is today commonly referred to as L. barbouri. The females were in fact Leptopelis flavomaculatus. [2] However, the male specimens Schiøtz collected from Dabaga were morphologically identical to unnamed specimens from other publications (e.g. Harper & Vonesh 2002; [3] Channing & Howell 2006; [4] Pickersgill 2007; [5] Harper et al. 2010 [6] ). [2]

The name L. grandiceps was originally assigned to two specimens collected by J. Vosseler. Eventually, L. grandiceps became a synonym for L.uluguruensis. Controversially, this synonymization done by Loveridge (1975), was solely based on the description as he had never actually examined the specimens. These specimens are an example of frogs who are the same species as Schiøtz's Dabaga collection. Subsequently, the name Leptopelis grandiceps was available and applied to these frogs. [2]

As of October 2023, the lectotype (male) and the allotype/paratype (female) are located at the ZMB (Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, formerly Zoologisches Museum Berlin). The holotype and other specimens can be found at the BMNH (Natural History Museum, London) [2]

Development

Although the exact developmental patterns of L. grandiceps are unknown, it is thought that frogs that live in montane forests are more likely to have complete terrestrial development. This is likely due to the presence of fast-flowing streams. [7]

Behaviour and communication

Males make mating calls from the top of branches near streams. The sound is distinct from other similar-looking Leptopelis as is described as such: The voice is a brief buzzing with an indistinct frequency-intensity maximum at about 1500 cps. and a rate of about 100 figures per second" (Schiotz 2014). [8] Furthermore, They have been found buried in mud near streams with only their heads visible above ground. [8] They can also be found in elevations up to 2,100 m (6,900 ft), with a minimum elevation of 180 m (590 ft). [1]

Reproduction

Just 10 m (33 ft) from a tiny stream, a frog pair was discovered mating, and their heads were only apparent in the sinking earth in which they were mating in. [8]

Although the exact developmental patterns of L. grandiceps are unknown, it is believed that terrestrial breeding and egg laying are associated with the frogs inhabiting montane forests, likely due to the presence of fast-flowing streams. [7]

Geographic range and habitat

L. grandiceps's geographic range includes the Eastern Arc Mountains and Southern Highlands in Tanzania and Kenya. They inhabit humid montane and lowland rainforests. [2] [1] However, until more thorough genetic analyses are conducted, Gvoždík et al. (2014) proposed that L. grandiceps should only include populations in East Usambara mountains and L. cf. grandiceps should be tentatively used for populations in other locations. [2]

GBIF georeferenced records of L. grandiceps as of 2023-10-30 GEOREFERENCED RECORDS OF L. GRANDICEPS - GBIF.png
GBIF georeferenced records of L. grandiceps as of 2023-10-30

Physical description

Adult L. grandiceps are slender with pointed snouts and large heads. The tympanum is distinctly small, spanning 1⁄3-2⁄5 of the horizontal diameter of the eye. [2] The toes are 1⁄2 webbed ending with large disks in both the manual and pedal digits. The inner metatarsal tubercles are small ovoid and non prominent. [2] Subarticular tubercles are somewhat prominent. [2] Their skin is a bright translucent green with light coloured patches on the frog's lower jaw. [2] They occasionally have light coloured small dots on their skin as well. Males are considered small (30-33mm) while females medium (39–45mm). The heads are wider than they are long and contain large protruding eyes. [2] Eyes are light coloured with orange patches and black vermiculation. [2]

Currently, the tadpoles have not been described.

Socioeconomic relevance and history

L. grandiceps is not commonly encountered so there is little socioeconomic relevance.

The history of naming L. grandiceps could be considered relevant and controversial in the scientific community. This is because synonymizations and namings were done without seeing the type or collections.

Genomic information

There are currently two sequences on GenBank for L. grandiceps. One being the partial coding sequence of the COI gene. [9] The other sequence is a partial sequence of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. [10]

Unknowns

Little is known of L. grandiceps diet, predators, lifespan, or ecosystem role and niche.

Related Research Articles

<i>Leptopelis</i> Genus of amphibians

Leptopelis is a genus of frogs in the family Arthroleptidae. They are found throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, excluding Madagascar. It is placed in monotypic subfamily Leptopelinae, although this subfamily is not always recognized. They have a number of common names, including forest treefrogs, tree frogs, leaf-frogs, and big-eyed frogs.

<i>Leptopelis vermiculatus</i> Species of amphibian

Leptopelis vermiculatus, also known as the peacock tree frog, Amani forest treefrog, or vermiculated tree frog, is a species of frog found in forest areas in Tanzania. Sometimes the common name big-eyed tree frog is used, but this may also refer to another species, Leptopelis macrotis.

Afrixalus uluguruensis is a species of frog in the family Hyperoliidae. Its common name is Uluguru banana frog. It is endemic to the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania and known from the Kipengere Range, Mahenge, Udzungwa Scarp, Rubeho, North Uluguru, Nguru, Ukaguru, and Nguu Mountains.

<i>Hyperolius tanneri</i> Species of amphibian

Hyperolius tanneri is a species of frogs in the family Hyperoliidae. It is endemic to the West Usambara Mountains in northeastern Tanzania. Common name Tanner's reed frog has been coined for this species.

<i>Leptopelis aubryi</i> Species of amphibian

Leptopelis aubryi, also known as the Aubry's tree frog and Gaboon forest treefrog, is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. It is found in southeastern Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, western and northern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Angola.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Savannah forest tree frog</span> Species of amphibian

The savannah forest tree frog or ground tree frog is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. It occurs in West and Middle Africa. The relationship of this species with Leptopelis bocagei is not fully settled.

Leptopelis fiziensis, also known as the Mokanga forest tree frog or Fizi tree frog, is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. It is known from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania, on both sides of Lake Tanganyika, and it is likely to occur in Burundi, in between the two know areas of distribution.

<i>Leptopelis flavomaculatus</i> Species of amphibian

Leptopelis flavomaculatus is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. It is found in the lowlands eastern and southern Africa, from Mozambique north of the Save River and Zimbabwe to Malawi, eastern Tanzania, and coastal Kenya. Its common names are yellow-spotted tree frog, brown-backed tree frog, brown forest treefrog, and Johnston's treefrog.

Leptopelis karissimbensis is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. It is found in the highlands of western Rwanda and southwestern Uganda and in the adjacent eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is very similar to Leptopelis kivuensis and has been confused with that species. Common names Karissimbi forest treefrog and Karissimbi tree frog have been coined for it.

<i>Leptopelis kivuensis</i> Species of amphibian

Leptopelis kivuensis is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. It is found in the highlands of western Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda, and in the extreme eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. It has been considered synonym of Leptopelis karissimbensis, and has been confused with that species. Common names Kisenyi forest treefrog and Kivu tree frog have been coined for it.

<i>Leptopelis macrotis</i> Species of frog

Leptopelis macrotis, sometimes called the big-eyed forest tree frog, is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. It is found in the rainforests of Sierra Leone, southern Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, and southern Ghana. Notice that similar common name "big-eyed tree frog" is sometimes used for Leptopelis vermiculatus from Tanzania and for Litoria exophthalmia from New Guinea.

<i>Leptopelis millsoni</i> Species of amphibian

Leptopelis millsoni is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. It is found in southeastern Nigeria, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and northwestern Angola. Common names Niger forest treefrog and Millson's Tree Frog have been coined for it. There is a need of taxonomic revision of this taxon.

Leptopelis modestus is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. Its common names are modest forest treefrog and plain tree frog.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tai forest tree frog</span> Species of amphibian

The Tai forest tree frog is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. It is found in Liberia, southern Ivory Coast, and Ghana. Records from Nigeria are controversial and may refer to other species, possibly Leptopelis boulengeri.

Leptopelis oryi, also known as the Garamba forest treefrog and Ory's tree frog, is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. It is found in the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, northwestern Uganda, and adjacent South Sudan. It is morphologically similar to Leptopelis nordequatorialis from Cameroon, and has also been considered its synonym, but is currently treated as a distinct species. The specific name oryi honours Albert Ory, warden in the Garamba National Park, the type locality of this species.

<i>Leptopelis parkeri</i> Species of amphibian

Leptopelis parkeri is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. It is endemic to Tanzania and known from the Eastern Arc Mountains. Specifically, it has been recorded from Uluguru, Udzungwa, East and West Usambara, Nguru, and South Pare Mountains. Common names Parker's tree frog and Parker's forest treefrog have been coined for it. It is named after Hampton Wildman Parker, a British zoologist and herpetologist from the Natural History Museum, London.

Leptopelis ragazzii is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. The species is endemic to the Ethiopian Highlands on both sides of the Great Rift Valley. Common names Ragazzi's tree frog and Shoa forest treefrog have been coined for it. It is named after Vincenzo Ragazzi (1856–1929), from the Modena Natural History Society, who explored and collected in Ethiopia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red tree frog</span> Species of amphibian

The red tree frog is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. It is found in southeasternmost Nigeria, western Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, western Gabon, the lower Republic of the Congo, the lower Democratic Republic of the Congo, and northwestern Angola. It has been confused with several other species, in particular with the palm forest tree frog Leptopelis palmatus.

Leptopelis susanae is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. It is endemic to southwest Ethiopia and known from the Gughe Mountains and Saja Forest. The specific name susanae honours Susan, the wife of the describer, Malcolm Largen. Common names Susan's tree frog and Susana's [sic] forest treefrog have been coined for this species.

Leptopelis yaldeni is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. It is endemic to Ethiopia and occurs in the montane highlands in Gojjam. Its range might be limited by the deep gorges of the Blue Nile. It is named in honour of Derek Yalden, a British zoologist who collected some of the types. Common names Yalden's tree frog and grassland forest treefrog have been coined for this species.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Leptopelis grandiceps". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2016: e.T76317600A87676070. 2016. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T76317600A87676070.en .
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Gvozdik, Vaclav (April 2014). "The status of Leptopelis barbouri Ahl, 1929 and eleven other nomina of the current tree-frog genus Leptopelis (Arthroleptidae) described from East Africa, with a redescription of Leptopelis grandiceps Ahl, 1929". Zootaxa.
  3. ↑ Harper, E (2002). Field Guide to the Amphibians of the East Usambara Mountains.
  4. ↑ Channing, A (2006). Amphibians of East Africa.
  5. ↑ Pickersgill, M (2007). Frog Search. Results of Expeditions to Southern and Eastern Africa from 1993–1999.
  6. ↑ Harper, E.B (2010). Field Guide to the Amphibians of the Eastern Arc Mountains and Coastal Forests of Tanzania and Kenya.
  7. 1 2 Muller, Hendrik (2013). "Forests as promoters of terrestrial life-history strategies in East African amphibians". Biology Letters. 9 (3). doi:10.1098/rsbl.2012.1146. PMC   3645021 . PMID   23536440.
  8. 1 2 3 "AmphibiaWeb - Leptopelis grandiceps". amphibiaweb.org. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  9. ↑ "Leptopelis grandiceps voucher MTSN 7685 cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, partial cds; mitochondrial". 2017-12-31.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  10. ↑ "Leptopelis grandiceps voucher MTSN 7685 16S ribosomal RNA gene, partial sequence; mitochondrial". 2017-12-31.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)


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