Definition
Sylvirana spinulosa is a species of amphibian belonging to the family Ranidae, commonly referred to as true frogs.
Overview
The species is classified within the genus Sylvirana, a group of Asian ranid frogs. Taxonomic literature records the name Sylvirana spinulosa as a valid combination, although it has historically been placed in other genera such as Hylarana. The distribution of the species is reported to include parts of Southeast Asia, but precise locality records are limited in publicly available sources. Conservation status has not been widely assessed; thus, its population trends and threats remain unclear.
Etymology / Origin
The generic name Sylvirana derives from the Latin sylva (“forest”) and Rana (a classical genus name for frogs), reflecting the typical forest habitats of its constituent species. The specific epithet spinulosa originates from Latin spina (“spine” or “thorn”) with the diminutive suffix -osa, meaning “having small spines” or “spiny”. This likely refers to a characteristic texture of the skin or dorsal surface observed in the type specimen.
Characteristics
- Morphology: As suggested by its name, the species is reported to possess a subtly spiny or tuberculate dorsal skin, a trait that distinguishes it from smoother‑skinned congeners. Exact measurements of body size, coloration patterns, and sexual dimorphism have not been consistently documented in accessible literature.
- Habitat: Members of Sylvirana are typically associated with forested streams and lowland wetlands; it is plausible that S. spinulosa occupies similar habitats, though detailed ecological studies are lacking.
- Behavior: No specific behavioral observations (e.g., breeding calls, diet) are confirmed for this species in the available references.
- Reproduction: Like other ranid frogs, it is presumed to have an aquatic larval stage (tadpoles), but precise breeding sites and timing are not documented.
Accurate information is not confirmed for many of the above characteristics due to the scarcity of peer‑reviewed data and limited field observations.
Related Topics
- Sylvirana – the genus encompassing a variety of Asian true frogs.
- Ranidae – the family of true frogs, notable for their worldwide distribution and diverse ecological roles.
- Amphibian conservation – broader context concerning the assessment and protection of lesser‑known amphibian species.
Note: The above entry compiles the limited verified information available for Sylvirana spinulosa and highlights areas where data are insufficient or unverified.