Definition
Cophixalus timidus is a species of frog in the family Microhylidae. It is a terrestrial amphibian known from the tropical rainforests of Papua New Guinea.
Overview
The species belongs to the genus Cophixalus, which comprises small, direct‑developing frogs commonly referred to as rainforest or ground frogs. C. timidus has been recorded from montane forest habitats at mid‐elevation sites within the Owen Stanley Range, though the full extent of its distribution remains incompletely documented. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has evaluated the species as Data Deficient, reflecting limited information on its population size, trends, and threats.
Etymology/Origin
The specific epithet timidus is derived from Latin, meaning “shy” or “timid.” It is presumed to refer to the species’ elusive behavior or its cryptic coloration, which makes it difficult to observe in the field. The genus name Cophixalus combines Greek roots “κοϕός” (kophos, meaning “bush” or “shrub”) and “ἅλς” (hals, meaning “sea” or “salt”), a construction historically used for this group of small forest frogs.
Characteristics
- Size: Adults are small, with snout‑vent length (SVL) typically ranging from 18 to 22 mm.
- Morphology: The body is moderately robust with a relatively broad head. The toes are unwebbed or only minimally webbed, reflecting adaptation to a terrestrial lifestyle.
- Coloration: Dorsal surface is generally brown to grayish‑brown, often marked with irregular darker patches that provide camouflage among leaf litter. Ventral surface tends to be lighter, ranging from creamy white to pale yellow.
- Reproduction: Like other Cophixalus species, C. timidus exhibits direct development; eggs develop into miniature froglets without a free‑living tadpole stage.
- Habitat: Inhabits moist leaf litter and low vegetation on the forest floor of primary and secondary montane rainforest. It is most frequently encountered at elevations between 1,200 and 1,800 m above sea level.
- Behavior: Primarily nocturnal and secretive; individuals are often heard rather than seen, calling from concealed positions during the breeding season.
Related Topics
- Genus Cophixalus – a diverse group of microhylid frogs native to New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and northeastern Australia.
- Family Microhylidae – a cosmopolitan family of narrow‑mouth frogs characterized by varied reproductive strategies, including direct development.
- Papua New Guinea amphibian fauna – the region hosts a high level of amphibian endemism, with many species restricted to specific montane habitats.
- Conservation status: Data Deficient – a classification used by the IUCN when insufficient data exist to assess a species’ risk of extinction.
Note: While the existence of Cophixalus timidus is documented in taxonomic databases, detailed ecological and biological data are limited. Consequently, some aspects of its description are based on the typical traits of closely related Cophixalus species, and precise information may be subject to future verification.