Nyctimystes narinosus

Nyctimystes narinosus, the common big-eyed treefrog, is a species of frog in the subfamily Pelodryadinae of the family Hylidae.^[2][4] It is endemic to New Guinea and occurs in the Wahgi-Sepik Dividing Range and the Schrader Mountains, on both sides of the border between Papua (Indonesia) and Papua New Guinea.^[2] There is, however, some uncertainty about the western limit of this species.^[2] Despite its vernacular name, Nyctimystes narinosus is not a common species.^[1]

Nyctimystes narinosus
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Hylidae
Genus:	Nyctimystes
Species:	N. narinosus
Binomial name
Nyctimystes narinosus Zweifel, 1958
Synonyms[2]
Nyctimystes narinosa Zweifel, 1958[3] Litoria narinosa (Zweifel, 1958)

Description

The holotype, an adult female, measures 64 mm (2.5 in) in snout–vent length.^[3] Males measure 48–59 mm (1.9–2.3 in) in snout–urostyle length.^[5] The snout is high and blunt. The canthus rostralis is distinct. The tympanum is small but distinct,^[3][5] partly obscured by the prominent supratympanic fold. The palpebral reticulum forms an irregular broken network of brown lines.^[5] The fingers hava basal webbing whereas the toes are about three-quarters webbed.^[3][5] The dorsum is usually chocolate brown, sometimes paler. There is a varying amount of cream to bright orange decoration consisting of scattered blotches and broad dorsolateral bands that reach the lores; this color may occasionally cover the entire dorsum. The brown coloration fades on the flanks to an off-white belly with brown speckling, with denser speckling on the throat. The lips are spotted, The iris is mid-brown. Males have a subgular vocal sac.^[5]

The male advertisement call is a very loud "whistle". The tadpole is large and black or dark.^[5]

Habitat and conservation

Ecology of Nyctimystes narinosus is poorly known.^[1][5] It is a high-altitude species, being found at elevations of 1,500–2,500 m (4,900–8,200 ft) above sea level^[1] or higher.^[5] In the Schrader Mountains, it only occurs in Nothofagus forest, living high in the trees.^[5] If similar to other Nyctimystes, the eggs are laid in torrential streams.^[1]

Nyctimystes narinosus is a low-density species. It is not known to occur in any protected areas.^[1] It is consumed locally.^[5]