Micryletta steinegeri

Micryletta steinegeri
Conservation status
Vulnerable  (IUCN 3.1) [1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Microhylidae
Genus:	Micryletta
Species:	M. steinegeri
Binomial name
Micryletta steinegeri (Boulenger, 1909)
Synonyms
Microhyla steinegeriBoulenger, 1909 Rana gracilipesGressitt, 1938

Micryletta steinegeri (common names: Stejneger's paddy frog, Stejneger's narrow-mouthed toad, paddy frog, Taiwan little pygmy frog) is a species of frog in the family Microhylidae. It is endemic to central and southern Taiwan. In the past it has also been considered as a synonym of Micryletta inornata from continental Asia. ^[2]

Description

Micryletta steinegeri is a small frog, growing to a maximum length of 25 mm (0.98 in). It has a slender body that is brown in colour, with irregular dark markings. Colouration varies a lot among individuals. Arms of front legs are orange. Breeding takes place in late spring and early summer in explosive breeding events. The tadpoles are almost transparent. ^[3]

Range

Its range is fragmented within central and southern Taiwan. It is also present in Kenting National Park. ^[1]

Habitat and conservation

Micryletta steinegeri inhabits broadleaf forests, sometimes also to be found in cultivated fields and orchards. Tadpoles develop in temporary rainwater pools, blocked ditches and cisterns. It is a rare frog known only from few localities. It is threatened by habitat loss. ^[1]

References

1. IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2020). "Micryletta steinegeri". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2020 e.T57897A63879156. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-1.RLTS.T57897A63879156.en . Retrieved 15 November 2021.
2. Frost, Darrel R. (2014). "Micryletta steinegeri (Boulenger, 1909)". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 3 June 2014.
3. Lue, Kuang-Yang. "Micryletta steinegeri". BiotaTaiwanica. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014. Retrieved 3 June 2014.