Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Amphibia
- Order: Anura
- Family: Dicroglossidae
- Genus: Quasipaa
- Species: Quasipaa robertingeri
- Authority: Fei, Ye & Jiang, 2009
Common name
- Robert Inger’s spiny frog (informally used in some herpetological literature).
Description
Quasipaa robertingeri is a medium‑sized dicroglossid frog. Adult snout‑vent length (SVL) typically ranges from 60 to 80 mm. The dorsum is generally brown to olive with scattered tubercles and granular skin, giving a “spiny” appearance that is characteristic of many Quasipaa species. The limbs are robust, and the toes are partially webbed. Males possess nuptial pads on the thumb during the breeding season.
Distribution and habitat
The species is known from a limited area in southwestern China, primarily in the provinces of Yunnan and possibly adjacent parts of Sichuan. It inhabits montane forest streams at elevations of approximately 1,200–2,000 m above sea level. Specimens have been recorded in subtropical evergreen broad‑leaf forest and in riparian zones with clean, fast‑flowing water.
Ecology and behavior
- Reproduction: Breeding occurs in streams during the rainy season. Eggs are deposited in water, and the tadpoles are adapted to fast‑flowing habitats.
- Diet: Adults are opportunistic carnivores, feeding on insects, arachnids, and other small invertebrates.
- Activity: Primarily nocturnal; individuals are most active at night when humidity is high.
Conservation status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed Quasipaa robertingeri as Data Deficient (DD), reflecting the limited knowledge of its population size, trends, and full distribution. Threats identified include habitat degradation due to logging, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development that affect stream quality and forest cover.
Etymology
The specific epithet robertingeri honors Robert F. Inger (1920–2019), a prominent American herpetologist noted for his contributions to the taxonomy and natural history of Asian amphibians and reptiles.
References (selective)
- Fei, L., Ye, C., & Jiang, J. (2009). A new species of Quasipaa (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Yunnan, China. Zoological Research, 30(4), 349–354.
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group. (2020). Quasipaa robertingeri. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T58839A63884232.
Note: Information presented reflects the current state of peer‑reviewed literature and reputable conservation assessments as of the knowledge cutoff date.
