Ansonia longidigita
Ansonia longidigita, also known as the long-fingered slender toad or long-fingered stream toad, is a species of toad endemic to the island of Borneo. Its specific name, "longidigita," highlights its most distinctive feature: unusually long and slender fingers, particularly in males. This toad inhabits mid-elevation forests, favoring areas near clear, rocky streams where it breeds.
Key Facts
- ›The species is named for its long, slender fingers, especially prominent in males.
- ›Adult males typically range from 40-50 MM in snout-to-vent length, while females can reach up to 70 MM.
- ›Ansonia longidigita inhabits MID-elevation forests in Sabah and Sarawak (Malaysia) and Brunei.
- ›They are found on the forest floor or in low vegetation and breed in small, clear streams with rocky bottoms.
- ›Threats to the species include habitat loss due to logging and resulting stream siltation.
- ›Tadpoles are small, usually under 15 MM, and display dark blotches on a cream background.
Long-Fingered Slender Toad, Long-Fingered Stream Toad
Forest, Streams, Mid-Elevation Hills
Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei
Long and Slender Fingers, Especially In Males, Slender Habitus, Distinct Tympanum, Dorsal Skin With Numerous Small, Round Warts
About Ansonia longidigita
Ansonia longidigita: The Long-Fingered Stream Toad
Ansonia longidigita, commonly known as the long-fingered slender toad or long-fingered stream toad, is a species of toad native to the island of Borneo. Its name, "longidigita," directly refers to its most prominent characteristic: the unusually long and slender fingers, particularly evident in the males of the species.
Description and Characteristics
The physical appearance of Ansonia longidigita is marked by its slender build. Adult males typically measure between 40 and 50 millimeters in snout-to-vent length, while females can reach a larger size, up to 70 millimeters. The toad's dorsal skin is covered with numerous small, round warts, and it possesses a distinct tympanum. The tadpoles of this species are notably small, generally under 15 millimeters, and are distinguished by dark blotches set against a cream-colored background.
Habitat and Distribution
This species is endemic to the mid-elevation hills of northern and western Borneo, specifically found in the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, as well as in Brunei. Ansonia longidigita adults typically reside on the forest floor or in the lower strata of vegetation. Their breeding activities are closely tied to their specific habitat requirements: small, clear brooks and streams characterized by rocky bottoms.
Breeding Behavior
The breeding cycle of Ansonia longidigita occurs in these small, clear streams. Males are known to vocalize from the stream boulders or from the surrounding vegetation, likely to attract females and establish territories during the breeding season.
Conservation Concerns
Ansonia longidigita faces significant threats primarily due to habitat loss stemming from logging activities. The deforestation associated with logging also leads to the siltation of the streams that are crucial for the species' reproduction, further endangering their populations. Specific details regarding their diet, lifespan, and predators are not detailed in available records.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the scientific name Ansonia longidigita mean?
The specific name "longidigita" is derived from Latin and translates to "long-fingered." This name refers to the characteristic long and slender fingers of this toad species, which are particularly noticeable in males.
What are the common names for Ansonia longidigita?
Ansonia longidigita is commonly known as the long-fingered slender toad or the long-fingered stream toad. These names reflect its physical appearance and its preferred habitat.
Where is Ansonia longidigita found?
This species is endemic to the island of Borneo. It can be found in the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, as well as in Brunei.
What kind of habitat does Ansonia longidigita prefer?
Ansonia longidigita inhabits mid-elevation hills. Adults are typically found on the forest floor or in low vegetation, and they breed in small, clear brooks and streams with rocky bottoms.
What are the main threats to Ansonia longidigita?
The primary threats to this species are habitat loss caused by logging activities. Logging also leads to the siltation of the streams that the toads rely on for breeding.
Related Frogs
Ansonia albomaculata
Ansonia albomaculata, also known as the white-lipped slender toad or whitebelly stream toad, is a toad species endemic to the island of Borneo. This slender toad is characterized by its dark brown, warty dorsum and is found in lowland rainforests, breeding in clear, rocky-bottomed streams where its tadpoles cling to rocks.
Ansonia hanitschi
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Ansonia inthanon
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