Breaking science news reports reveal that scientists have discovered a new genus of treefrog, the Striped Bubble-nest frog, native to the Andaman Islands. The scientific community has designated the biological name of this unique species as Rohanixalus vittatus. Notably, the genus ‘Rohanixalus’ is named in honor of the renowned Sri Lankan taxonomist, Rohan Pethiyagoda. This discovery marks the first reported case of a tree frog species originating from the Andaman Islands.
Characteristics of the Rohanixalus Vittatus
The Rohanixalus vittatus is characterized by its small and slender body (2-3 cm long), bearing a pair of contrastingly coloured lateral lines running down either side. The upper body of this amphibian is adorned with minute brown speckles scattered uniformly. Another fascinating feature of this creature is its laying of light green-coloured eggs in arboreal bubble-nests. In ecological terminology, ‘arboreal’ refers to the habitat of creatures found in trees or related tree-like environments.
Common Names and Appearance
This intriguing species is commonly known as the Asian Glass Frog or the See Through Frog. While most members in the family feature a lime green base colour, some showcase an extraordinary characteristic – translucent abdominal skin. This transparency allows light to pass through, rendering the internal organs such as the heart, liver, and gastrointestinal tract visible to the naked eye. This peculiar trait is the source of their common name.
Unique Behavioural Traits
Aside from its distinctive appearance, the Rohanixalus vittatus exhibits several unique behavioural traits. One such behaviour is maternal egg attendance. Here, the female frog attends to the egg clutches from the time of laying till hatching, assisting in the release of the tadpoles into the water. During the initial three days post egg-laying, the mother sits over the eggs, producing a gelatinous secretion that she uses to glaze or cover the egg mass through clockwise leg movements. This behaviour helps retain necessary moisture for the eggs laid on exposed leaf surfaces and offers protection against insect predation.
Community Egg Attendance and Male-Male Combats
Another unusual practice is ‘community egg attendance’. In this case, several females generally attend a large number of egg clutches (over 50) of various developmental stages present on a single leaf or plant. This behaviour showcases an unusual form of community parenting among these treefrogs.
The species also exhibits frequent male-male combats involving vigorous pushing, kicking, and dislodging to win over a female for mating. These behaviours illuminate the fascinating survival strategies and social structures within the world of the Striped Bubble-nest frog.
This surprising discovery and the subsequent insights into the habits and characteristics of Rohanixalus vittatus offer a rich addition to the field of taxonomy and provide vital information about the biodiversity of the Andaman Islands.