Natural wealth is impressive in its diversity. In the world there are a huge number of plants and representatives of the animal world. Almost every year, scientists identify new species. Today we will talk about the amphibian, which is known as the "flying frog." There are several varieties of these amphibians.
Copepod frog
In the world there are about 80 species of flying frogs. All of them belong to the family Copepods. Frogs of this species not only jump and swim, but also soar perfectly in the air. This feature is due to the fact that on the paws of these amphibians there are wide membranes. In some species, their area can be up to 20 cm 2.
Most often, flying frogs are found in the following tropical regions:
- China;
- Japan;
- India;
- Philippines;
- Malay archipelago;
- Madagascar;
- African countries.
These frogs prefer to dwell on trees. Amphibians descend to the earth only in the mating season for mating and laying eggs. The structure of the body allows them to carry out a small flight at a distance of 15 meters. Amphibian has a high tenacity, due to which the landing is always successful. Such maneuverability and accuracy is ensured by the presence of small teeth and membranes on the legs, which are covered with sticky mucus. When a frog needs to go down from a tree to the ground, it takes a jump and carries out its planning flight.
Description of the frog Rhacophorus arboreus
The habitat of Rhacophorus arboreus, or the flying frog of Kinugassa, is the islands of Sado and Honshu (Japan). Amphibians are found in the humid forests of the tropics and subtropics, in freshwater swamps and on irrigated lands.
This species of tree frogs mainly lives on trees, and only in the mating season do individuals gather near water sources. Their diet consists solely of insects.
The body structure of the Kinugass frog is somewhat different from other amphibian species. She has a very large head, and on the legs there are special membranes. Frogs are larger in size than males. Their body size is from 59 to 82 mm, while the partner does not exceed 60 mm. The color is bright green, spots on the back can be black or brown, although individuals are found that do not have any marks. The color of the iris can vary from orange to reddish brown.
During the mating season, the male calls the female with a special call, which consists of a series of clicks. A flying frog can lay between 300 and 800 eggs. From the female cloaca, a substance is released that it forms into foam. The frog fixes the resulting mixture on tree branches, near any reservoir, and lays eggs there, after which the male fertilizes them. After a short period of time, the foam becomes solid, which provides future offspring with protection from predators and drying out.
Description of a giant flying frog
Polypedates dennysii, or the giant flying frog, lives in northern Vietnam. Amphibian in size can reach 15-18 cm. Females, unlike males, are larger and have a bright color. There may be white or brown spots on the body. Quite rare species have specks of a bright blue hue. If an amphibian is frightened, its color may change and take on a darker shade.
Interesting fact! Amphibians born in captivity do not have a bright green color, their hue - something in between green and blue, is more like turquoise. The membranes on the hind limbs are pink in color.
The giant flying frog leads mainly a nocturnal lifestyle. The breeding season lasts from May to October.
