Plectrohyla hartwegi

Etymology and history

This species is named after Norman Hartweg, American herpetologist. The holotype, collected by Eizi Matuda in 1941, was sent to Hartweg, who recognized it as unique but did not want to describe a new species based on just one specimen. The species was eventually described in 1968 by William E. Duellman, after further specimens had become available.

Description

The type series consisted of three specimens, an adult male (holotype) measuring 64 mm in snout–vent length (SVL), and two subadult males measuring 42 and SVL. Based on further specimens, adult males reach 76 mm SVL and females 77 mm SVL. The body is robust. The head is slightly wider than long and as wide as the body; the snout is short. The eyes are large. The heavy supra-tympanic fold covers the upper edge of the tympanum. The dorsal coloration varies is dull olive-brown, olive-green, or pale green. About one fifth of individuals have irregular pale bronze-tan spots on the dorsum and the limbs. The prepollex (the "spikethumb") in males is massive and bifid.

Habitat and conservation

Its natural habitats are high-elevation (925 – above sea level) cloud forests near rocky mountain streams, its breeding habitat. It has disappeared from some locations and appears to be on decline. The reasons are probably chytridiomycosis as well as habitat loss. The Mexican law protects it under the "Special Protection" category.

References

References

1. IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group. (2020). "''Plectrohyla hartwegi''".
2. (22 April 2013). "The Eponym Dictionary of Amphibians". Pelagic Publishing.
3. (1968). "Descriptions of new hylid frogs from Mexico and Central America". University of Kansas Publications, Museum of Natural History.
4. (1992). "Hylid frogs of the genus ''Plectrohyla'': systematics and phylogenetic relationships". Miscellaneous Publications, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan.
5. Frost, Darrel R.. (2016). "''Plectrohyla hartwegi'' Duellman, 1968". American Museum of Natural History.