Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Amphibia
- Order: Anura
- Family: Rhacophoridae
- Genus: Pseudophilautus
- Species: Pseudophilautus limbus
- Authority: Manamendra‑Arachchi & Pethiyagoda, 2005
Common name
No widely accepted common name is documented; the species is generally referred to by its scientific name.
Description
Pseudophilautus limbus is a small, arboreal frog characterized by the typical morphology of the genus: a moderately robust body, expanded toe pads for climbing, and dorsal coloration that provides camouflage in leaf litter and mossy substrates. Detailed morphometric data (e.g., snout‑vent length, coloration patterns) are limited in publicly available sources.
Distribution and habitat
The species is endemic to Sri Lanka. It has been recorded from the central highland region, specifically within montane forest patches at elevations around 1,200–1,500 m above sea level. P. limbus inhabits shaded, humid understory environments, often associated with evergreen forest and shrub layers.
Ecology and behavior
Like other members of Pseudophilautus, P. limbus is presumed to be a direct‑developing frog, meaning it bypasses a free‑living tadpole stage; eggs develop directly into miniature froglets. Breeding habits, diet, and specific microhabitat preferences have not been comprehensively documented.
Conservation status
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, Pseudophilautus limbus is assessed as Endangered. The primary threats identified are habitat loss and fragmentation due to agricultural expansion, timber extraction, and infrastructure development within its limited range. Conservation measures recommended include protecting remaining forest fragments, habitat restoration, and further surveys to clarify its population size and distribution.
Research needs
- Detailed field studies to determine population trends, reproductive biology, and ecological requirements.
- Updated assessments of habitat quality and the impact of ongoing land‑use changes.
References
- Manamendra‑Arachchi, K. & Pethiyagoda, R. (2005). The taxonomy of the Pseudophilautus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) of Sri Lanka, with descriptions of new species. Journal of Herpetology, 39(3), 305‑328.
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group. (2022). Pseudophilautus limbus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T58956A156236876.
Note: All information presented is based on currently available encyclopedic sources and peer‑reviewed literature.
