Siju Cave frog
| Siju Cave frog | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Ranidae |
| Genus: | Amolops |
| Species: | A. siju
|
| Binomial name | |
| Amolops siju | |
The Siju Cave frog (Amolops siju) 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 is only found in Siju Cave but it is hypothesized that they migrate down there. Siju Cave is made of limestone and is good at holding 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. A troglobitic adaptation is an adaptation 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
- ^ 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.