Fig 1
Fig 2
Fig 3
Fig 4
Fig 5
|
Family : RHACOPHORIDAE
Species : Polypedates otilophus
Size (snout to vent) :
Female 10 cm, Male 8 cm
Also known as the Borneo
Eared Frog, this large tree frog inhabits lowland rainforest up to
elevations of around 400 metres. It is most commonly found grouped around
suitable breeding ponds, clinging to nearby vegetation a few metres from the
ground.
The species is easily identified by its large size and by the prominent
ridges which lie above the eye and external ear-drum or tympanum. Another
flap of skin extends horizontally beneath the tympanum.
Its dorsal surface is pale yellow brown adorned with dark brown stripes. The
flanks show similar colour and patterning but the dark stripes are more
thin. On the inner thighs and legs there is strong black banding on a white
background. Its eyes are large with a horizontal iris.
Like other species of tree frog, their eggs are fertilized and develop in
foam nests above suitable water bodies. The tadpoles will hatch and drop
into the water below, or get washed down by heavy rain. Fully-grown tadpoles
may reach 6 cm in length.
Polypedates otilophus occurs only on the island Borneo. A closely
related species,
Polypedates pseudotilophus, occurs on the island of Sumatra (Matsui
et al, 2014): the latter was formerly identified as part of
Polypedates otilophus, but has sufficient genetic divergence to be
considered a separate species.
Fig 1 : Example from Lambir Hills, Sarawak,
Malaysian Borneo.
Fig 2 : Dark
specimen with well-developed dorsal stripes.
Fig 3 : Pale specimen clinging to a thick stem.
Fig 4 : Close-up of the head showing the 'file' ears.
Fig 5 : Dorsal view, showing lower ear flaps, and expanded toes.
Figs 2 to 5 photographed at Danum Valley, Sabah, Borneo,
References :
Inger R. F., Lian T.F., 1996. The Natural History of Amphibians and Reptiles
in Sabah. Natural History Publications (Borneo) Sdn. Bhd.
Manthey U., Grossmann W., 1997. Amphibien und Reptilien Sudostasiens. Natur
und Tier - Verlag.
Matsui, M., Hamidy, A., & Kuraishi, N. (2014). A new species of Polypedates
from Sumatra, Indonesia (Amphibia: anura). Species Diversity, 19(1), 1-7.
|
