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Starrett's glass frog (male guarding eggs)
Hyalinobatrachium vireovittatum
8.53798, -80.7821
Field Notes
Description:
Adult males measure 21.5-23 mm and adult females 24-25 mm in SVL (snout-vent length). The head is broader than long, and the snout is truncate both from above and in profile. The loreal distance is greater than the orbital diameter, and the eyes are not protuberant. The interorbital space is broader than the snout length. Nares (nostrils) lie in swollen protuberances on distinct raised ridges. The tympanum is indistinct and directed dorsally. Webbing is vestigial between fingers I-II-III and well-developed for the outer fingers. The digital discs are truncate. Finger I is longer than finger II. Subarticular tubercles are present and are small and round. The thenar tubercle is elongate and the palmar tubercle is round. There are no supernumerary, accessory palmar, or plantar tubercles. Toes are extensively webbed. The inner metatarsal tubercle is elongate, but the outer metatarsal tubercle is lacking. There is no tarsal fold. Males lack nuptial pads. The dorsal surface is shagreened. (Savage 2002).
Habitat:
Subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, and rivers.
Notes:
This male was found guarding eggs that were deposited on a leaf over a small stream. Males are known to frequently urinate on eggs to keep them hydrated. It was breathtaking to be able to see this process in the wild. (the final photo is of a lab specimen, and is included to allow you to understand the meaning of their common name of "glass frog.")
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