Micryletta steinegeri (common names: Stejneger's paddy frog, Stejneger's narrow-mouthed toad, paddy frog, Taiwan little pygmy frog) is a species of frog in the family Microhylidae. It is endemic to central and southern Taiwan. In the past it has also been considered as a synonym of Micryletta inornata from continental Asia.[2]

Micryletta steinegeri
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Microhylidae
Genus: Micryletta
Species:
M. steinegeri
Binomial name
Micryletta steinegeri
(Boulenger, 1909)
Synonyms

Microhyla steinegeri Boulenger, 1909
Rana gracilipes Gressitt, 1938

Description

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Micryletta steinegeri is a small frog, growing to a maximum length of 25 mm (0.98 in). It has a slender body that is brown in colour, with irregular dark markings. Colouration varies a lot among individuals. Arms of front legs are orange. Breeding takes place in late spring and early summer in explosive breeding events. The tadpoles are almost transparent.[3]

Range

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Its range is fragmented within central and southern Taiwan. It is also present in Kenting National Park.[1]

Habitat and conservation

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Micryletta steinegeri inhabits broadleaf forests, sometimes also to be found in cultivated fields and orchards. Tadpoles develop in temporary rainwater pools, blocked ditches and cisterns. It is a rare frog known only from few localities. It is threatened by habitat loss.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2020). "Micryletta steinegeri". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T57897A63879156. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-1.RLTS.T57897A63879156.en. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  2. ^ Frost, Darrel R. (2014). "Micryletta steinegeri (Boulenger, 1909)". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 3 June 2014.
  3. ^ Lue, Kuang-Yang. "Micryletta steinegeri". BiotaTaiwanica. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014. Retrieved 3 June 2014.