Amolops siju

Amolops siju
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Ranidae
Genus: Amolops
Species:
A. siju
Binomial name
Amolops siju

Amolops siju, the Siju Cave frog, is a species of true frog found in the Siju Cave, India.[1]

Description

It 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

It 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

Both the common and scientific name comes from the type locality, which is the Siju Cave.[1]

References

  1. ^ 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.


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