Fig 1
Fig 2
Fig 3
Fig 4
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Family : RHACOPHORIDAE
Species : Rhacophorus dulitensis
Size (snout to vent) :
Female 5.0 cm, Male 3.6 cm Superlative in its
appearance, the Jade Tree Frog Rhacophorus dulitensis is amongst the most stunning of all Southeast
Asia's frogs. It inhabits moist, lowland primary rainforest on the
island of Borneo.
The species spends much of its time in the forest canopy, however when conditions
are suitable and pools and waterlogged areas have formed on the forest
floor, males and females will congregate on low vegetation and
engage in mass-breeding. The species is a foam nest builder -
these nests are generally positioned around at around one to two metres, so
that emerging tadpoles will drop into the water below.
The female is somewhat larger than the male, measuring 5.0 cm snout-to-vent
compared with a maximum size of 3.6 cm for the male.
The beautiful colours of this frog make it easy to identify. Its head is
yellowish on top, and yellowish green at the sides. Its dorsum is greenish,
and its flanks translucent, pale blue. Its legs are pale greenish-yellow.
Between its fingers the webbing is creamy yellow, and between its toes is
green and red.
Its snout is long and pointed, its eyes large, and its iris is cream to
orange.
The Jade Tree Frog R. dulitensis is endemic to Borneo. Historical
records of this frog from other parts of Southeast Asia are now considered
as different species, including the closely related, and somewhat larger
Malayan Flying Frog Rhacophorus
prominanus.
Fig 1 : Mating pair on vegetation, 2 metres above swamp.
Fig 2 : The fingers are webbed with translucent skin, and the toes with
partly red skin.
Figs 3 : Side view of lone male, with translucent blue flanks.
Fig 4 : Mating pair building their bubble nest, joined by an eager
interloper.
All photos from Danum Valley, Sabah, Borneo.
References : H3 |
