Hemiphractus proboscideus

Hemiphractus proboscideus
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Hemiphractidae
Genus:	Hemiphractus
Species:	H. proboscideus
Binomial name
Hemiphractus proboscideus (Jiménez de la Espada, 1870)
Synonyms
Cerathyla proboscidea Jiménez de la Espada, 1870 Ceratohyla cristata Andersson, 1945

Hemiphractus proboscideus, or the Sumaco horned treefrog, is a species of frog in the family Hemiphractidae. It is found in the upper Amazon basin in extreme southwestern Colombia (Amazonas and Caquetá Departments), Ecuador, and northern Peru.

Description

Males measure 43–50 mm (1.7–2.0 in) and females 52–67 mm (2.0–2.6 in) in snout–vent length. The head is triangular in dorsal view. Snout is elongated to a proboscis, and there is a large conical and several small tubercles on the eyes. At night, the body is yellowish with brown diagonal or transverse bars and with crossbars in the extremities; the belly is grayish-cream to white. By day, the back is brown with darker brown markings; the ventral surface is brown to reddish brown with orange or yellow spots on the belly, and yellow or white spots on the gular region. Tongue is orange.

Reproduction and behaviour

Reproduction seems to occur throughout year as juveniles have been encountered during all months. Development is direct, and the female carries her eggs on her back.

Hemiphractus proboscideus is a predatory species that eats other frogs. At night, they are typically found sitting on low vegetation. When disturbed, the frog will open its mouth to show its bright-coloured tongue. They can deliver a strong bite.

Habitat and conservation

Its natural habitats are moist tropical forest at elevations of 100–1,200 m (330–3,940 ft) asl. It is a rare species. No major threats have been identified, but it has declined in Ecuador for unknown reasons. Its range includes several protected areas.