Vietnamese mossy frog

Description

Theloderma corticale (common names: mossy frog, Vietnamese mossy frog, and Tonkin bug-eyed frog) is a species of frog in the family Rhacophoridae. It is found in northern Vietnam and China (Yaoshan, Guangxi (in the Dayaoshan National Nature Reserve), as well as from the Jianfengling National Nature Reserve in Hainan; the latter might represent misidentification), and possibly in adjacent Laos. 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. 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. Its natural habitats are primarily evergreen rainforests and subtropical forest where they have been found inside pools in hollowed logs, placed by the local villagers. It is a semi-aquatic that is found in caves and steep rocky cliffs. Breeding takes place in rock cavities or tree holes. Its habitat is threatened by forest loss. It is also collected for international pet trade. Like many amphibians, the Vietnamese mossy frog is vulnerable to the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Its diet consists of crickets, cockroaches, and earthworms.