Theloderma corticale

Theloderma corticale (common names: mossy frog,^[3] Vietnamese mossy frog,^[4] Tonkin bug-eyed frog, moss bug-eyed frog,^[2] and [for the formerly recognized Theloderma kwangsiense] Kwangsi warty treefrog) is a species of frog in the family Rhacophoridae.The theloderma corticale is often difficult to identify visually as there are cryptic species that look very similar to it. It has been often confused with theloderma asperum, theloderma stellatum, and theloderma albopunctatum. Using DNA barcoding techniques (extracting and analyzing genetic material from various samples) researchers were able to correctly identify the theloderma corticale and confirm the frog's range is indeed greater than just northern Vietnam.^[5] It is now known to be found in northern Vietnam, south–central Laos, and southern China (Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Yunnan).^[2]

Theloderma corticale
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Rhacophoridae
Genus:	Theloderma
Species:	T. corticale
Binomial name
Theloderma corticale (Boulenger, 1903)
Synonyms[2]
Rhacophorus corticalis Boulenger, 1903 Rhacophorus fruhstorferi Ahl, 1927 Theloderma kwangsiense (Liu and Hu, 1962) Rhacophorus leprosus ssp. kwangsiensis Liu and Hu, 1962 Theloderma leporosa ssp. kwangsiensis (Liu and Hu, 1962)

Description

The common name "mossy frog" arises from the fact that its skin is a mottled green and brown that resembles moss growing on rock, and forms an effective form of camouflage. They have large sticky pads on their toes and a soft underbelly. They measure about 61 mm (2.4 in) in snout–vent length.^[6] The females will grow larger than the males and can reach sizes of 8–9 cm (3.1–3.5 in). This species will curl into a ball when frightened, and play dead.^[3][4]

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  Three individuals camouflaged on a rock face
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  An individual camouflaged on a mossy surface

Habitat

Its natural habitats are primarily evergreen rainforests and subtropical forest where they have been found inside pools in hollowed-out logs, placed by the local villagers. It is semi-aquatic and found in caves and steep rocky cliffs. This frog has been observed between 470 and 1500 meters above sea level. Breeding takes place in rock cavities or tree holes.^[1][3][4][2]

Diet

Its diet consists of crickets, cockroaches, and earthworms.

Conservation

Its habitat is threatened by forest loss. It is also collected for the international pet trade. Like many amphibians, the Vietnamese mossy frog is vulnerable to the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Nonetheless, the conservation of this species is classified as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.^[1]