Copiula guttata is a species of frog in the family Microhylidae, endemic to the lowland rainforests of Papua New Guinea. It was described by Tyler, 1967 and is commonly referred to as the spotted copiula due to the distinctive dorsal spotting pattern.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Amphibia
- Order: Anura
- Family: Microhylidae
- Genus: Copiula
- Species: C. guttata
- Authority: (Tyler, 1967)
Description
Copiula guttata is a small, stout-bodied frog, typically measuring 25–30 mm in snout‑vent length. Key morphological features include:
- Dorsal coloration: Brown to olive background with irregular dark brown to black spots (hence “guttata”, Latin for “spotted”).
- Ventral surface: Pale cream or whitish, sometimes with faint mottling.
- Head: Slightly wider than the body; eyes are protuberant with a horizontal pupil.
- Limbs: Short and robust; toes lack webbing but have small adhesive pads.
- Skin texture: Smooth to slightly granular on the dorsum, smoother ventrally.
The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females generally larger than males. Males possess a nuptial pad on the first finger during the breeding season.
Distribution and Habitat
Copiula guttata is known only from the central and eastern slopes of the New Guinea Highlands, primarily within Papua New Guinea. Its range includes:
- Altitude: 400–1,200 m above sea level.
- Habitat: Primary and secondary lowland rainforest, often associated with leaf litter and moist forest floor microhabitats.
- Microhabitat: Frequently found under fallen logs, within leaf litter, or near small streams and temporary rain pools.
Ecology and Behavior
Reproduction
- Breeding occurs during the rainy season (December–March).
- Males call from concealed positions in leaf litter, producing a series of short, high‑pitched notes.
- Eggs are deposited in shallow, temporary water bodies; development is direct, with tadpoles hatching as fully formed froglets within 2–3 weeks.
Diet
- Primarily insectivorous, feeding on small arthropods such as ants, termites, and mites.
Predators and Threats
- Natural predators include snakes, birds, and larger amphibians.
- The species is vulnerable to habitat loss due to logging, agricultural expansion, and mining activities.
Conservation Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently classifies Copiula guttata as Data Deficient (DD) because of limited population data and unclear threats across its range. Conservation measures recommended include:
- Conducting targeted field surveys to assess population size and distribution.
- Protecting remaining forest habitats, particularly lowland rainforest fragments.
- Monitoring impacts of land‑use change in the species’ known localities.
References
- Tyler, M. J. (1967). A new species of Copiula (Microhylidae) from New Guinea. Journal of Herpetology, 1(4), 277‑280.
- Frost, D. R. (2024). Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.2. American Museum of Natural History.
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group. (2023). Copiula guttata. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2023: e.T57812A169839123.
Note: This entry reflects the current state of knowledge as of 2024; ongoing research may refine aspects of taxonomy, distribution, and conservation status.