|
The Frilled Tree Frog is a
small species of lowland freshwater swamp forests. During rainy periods it
can be heard calling from the lower branches of trees and saplings, about 2
metres above ground. Its call is an attractive 'peep, peep'.
Like most tree frogs it builds a foam nest
containing its eggs. This is suspended above small pools and puddles on
flooded forest floors. Upon hatching, or during heavy rain, the tadpoles
drop or are washed into these shallow pools where they complete the final
stages of their development.
The dorsal surface is mottled green or brown, and
the ventral surface pale. A distinctive feature are the frills of skin
which adorn the outer margin of its hind limbs. The eyes are large and the
iris horizontal.
The Frilled Tree Frog
ranges from Indochina (?) through Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia to
Sumatra, Borneo and parts of the Philippines. It is absent in Singapore.
Figs 1 to 3 : Three specimens from Panti Forest, Johor, Peninsular
Malaysia.
Fig 4 : Example from Danum Valley, Sabah, Borneo.
Family : RHACOPHORIDAE
Species : Rhacophorus appendiculatus
Size (snout to vent) :
Female 5.0 cm, Male 3.7 cm
References : H3, H4
|
