Asiatic painted frog
The Asiatic painted frog, also known as Kaloula pulchra, is a small terrestrial amphibian belonging to the Microhylidae family. Typically measuring up to three inches (eight centimeters) in length, these frogs are characterized by their unique appearance, featuring chestnut-brown skin adorned with large cream to salmon-colored stripes on their sides, along with dark circular markings on their backs. Found primarily in various parts of Asia, they also inhabit regions as far away as South Florida and the Philippines. Known for their narrow mouths, Asiatic painted frogs lead a carnivorous lifestyle, feeding on insects and other small invertebrates.
These frogs prefer to burrow into the ground, which helps them survive in their terrestrial environments. Mating occurs primarily during the rainy season, particularly in April and May, with eggs laid in water. After hatching, the eggs develop into free-swimming tadpoles before undergoing metamorphosis into adult frogs. Despite being preyed upon by snakes and birds of prey, Asiatic painted frogs are not considered endangered and typically have a lifespan of about ten years. Their intriguing adaptations and vibrant appearance make them a fascinating subject of study for amphibian enthusiasts.
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Asiatic painted frog
Asiatic painted frogs are classified as narrow-mouthed frogs for their thin, narrow mouths. Most frogs have very wide mouths. Asiatic painted frogs are called "painted frogs" because of the large cream-colored stripes on their chestnut-brown colored skin.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Microhylidae
Genus: Kaloula
Species: Pulchra
Asiatic painted frogs, also called banded bullfrogs, painted bullfrogs, and chubby frogs, generally grow to be up to three inches (eight centimeters) long. Their skin is chestnut brown with a stripes that vary in color from salmon to cream on each side of their bodies. They also have some dark, circular markings along their back. Like other narrow-mouthed frogs, Asiatic painted frogs have small heads and bodies, short legs, and narrow mouths.
Asiatic painted frogs are terrestrial, or ground-dwelling, amphibians inhabiting many parts of Asia. Although, they can be found in areas as far as South Florida and the Philippines. These frogs also spend part of their time digging themselves burrowing, or digging themselves into the ground.
As carnivores, or meat-eaters, Asiatic painted frogs live on a diet of insects and other small invertebrates. A variety of snakes and birds of prey threaten Asiatic painted frogs.
Asiatic painted frogs do not mate during dry spells. Mating takes place after heavy rainfall, mainly in April and May, but can be year-round depending on precipitation in other geographical locations. They lay their eggs in water and when the eggs hatch, free-swimming tadpoles are born. These tadpoles grow and change, or metamorphose, into fully developed adult narrow-mouthed frogs. These frogs are not considered an endangered species.
The life span of Asiatic painted frogs is about ten years.
Bibliography
Edmonds, Devin. “Asian Painted Frog.” Amphibian Care, 19 May. 2005, www.amphibiancare.com/2005/05/19/asian-painted-frog/. Accessed 26 Mar. 2024.
Myers, P., et al. “Kaloula Pulchra.” Animal Diversity Web, 2024, www.animaldiversity.org/accounts/Kaloula‗pulchra/classification/. Accessed 26 Mar. 2024.
Willis, Andrew. “Asian Painted Bullfrog Care.” Reptiles Magazine, 10 Feb. 2014, www.reptilesmagazine.com/asian-painted-bullfrog-care/#:~:text=In%20the%20wild%2C%20chubby%20frogs%20traditionally%20utilize%20rain%20pools%20and,it%20can%20be%20year%2Dround. Accessed 26 Mar. 2024.