This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (August 2024) |
Amolops siju, the Siju Cave frog, is a species of true frog found in the Siju Cave, India.[1]
Amolops siju | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Amphibia |
Order: | Anura |
Family: | Ranidae |
Genus: | Amolops |
Species: | A. siju
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Binomial name | |
Amolops siju |
Description
editIt is brown with green mottling and it has dark bands on the legs. The ventral side is light with dark patches. Only 4 specimens have been collected of the species. The 3 females had an SVL of 85–94 mm (3.35–3.70 in) and the single male had an SVL of 63 mm (2.48 in), which shows a drastic size difference (sexual dimorphism).[1]
Distribution and ecology
editIt has only been found in Siju Cave but it is hypothesized that they migrate down there. Siju Cave is made of limestone and maintains a steady temperature and humidity, which may be attractive for a frog looking for warmth. This hypothesis is further supported by the fact that the frog has no troglobitic adaptations to life in a cave. This means that the frog might also be found outside the cave and therefore have a wider distribution.[1]
Etymology
editBoth the common and scientific name comes from the type locality, which is the Siju Cave.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c d Saikia, Bhaskar; Sinha, Bikramjit; Shabnam, A.; Dinesh, K. P. (31 March 2023). "Description of a new species of Amolops Cope (Anura: Ranidae) from a cave ecosystem in Meghalaya, Northeast India". Journal of Animal Diversity. 5 (1): 43–46.