Andean marsupial tree frog
Species of amphibian / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Andean marsupial tree frog (Gastrotheca riobambae), also known as the Riobamba marsupial frog or Riobamba pouched frog, is a species of frog in the family Hemiphractidae. It is endemic to Ecuador.[3] The species is confined to the Andes and the inter-Andean valleys, from Imbabura south to Chimborazo. They live in an altitude of 2,200–3,500 meters (7,200–11,500 ft) above sea-level. The Andean marsupial tree frog's habitat varies from the montane forests to the dry rocky hillsides, and from the agave plants to the corn fields. Once a common species, it is threatened by severe habitat loss.[1]
Andean marsupial tree frog | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Amphibia |
Order: | Anura |
Family: | Hemiphractidae |
Genus: | Gastrotheca |
Species: | G. riobambae |
Binomial name | |
Gastrotheca riobambae | |
Synonyms | |
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Snout–vent length of Gastrotheca riobambae is about 48 mm (1.9 in). It has a broad, depressed body. Skin is smooth above but granulated below.[2]
Within this genus, the males transfer the eggs from the female's cloaca to their dorsal pouch till they reach development at the tadpole stage. It takes approximately five to six weeks that the eggs stay in the female's pouch. Once they reach the stage as tadpoles, they continue their development in water, and go through metamorphosis in a few weeks time.[4]
Gastrotheca riobambae are sometimes kept as pets.[5]