Zhangixalus moltrechti

Zhangixalus moltrechti
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Rhacophoridae
Genus:	Zhangixalus
Species:	Z. moltrechti
Binomial name
Zhangixalus moltrechti (Boulenger, 1908)
Synonyms[2]
Rhacophorus moltrechti Boulenger, 1908 Rhacophorus schlegelii moltrechti — Wolf, 1936

Zhangixalus moltrechti is a species of frog in the family Rhacophoridae. It is endemic to Taiwan, where it has a wide distribution in hilly areas.^[1][2] Common names Moltrecht's green treefrog, Moltrecht's treefrog, Taiwan treefrog, and Nantou flying frog have been coined for it.^[2]

Etymology

The specific name moltrechti honors Arnold Moltrecht [lv; ru], a Latvian entomologist, lepidopterist, and ophthalmologist; while stationed in Vladivostok he also traveled and collected in Taiwan.^[3]

Description

Zhangixalus moltrechti is a medium-sized tree frog, females are 5–6 cm (2.0–2.4 in) in snout-vent length; males are slightly smaller,^[4] 3.6–4.2 cm (1.4–1.7 in).^[5] The finger and toe tips have well-developed discs. Skin is smooth. The overall coloration is green; some individuals have few white spots. The belly is white yellow. The hidden surfaces of the hind legs are red or orange with black spots. The iris is orange red.^[4]

Habitat and conservation

Zhangixalus moltrechti occurs in forests, orchards, and tea plantations between 0 and 2500 meters above sea level.^[1][4] Breeding takes place in bodies of standing water, such as ponds, pools, cisterns, and blocked roadside ditches. The female frog lays eggs in caves, under cover, or on plants near the water. After hatching the rain pushes the tadpoles into the water.^[1][6] It may also breed in pools of intermittent streams, potholes, and streamside pools.^[1] High-elevation (~2,000 m (6,600 ft)) populations breed in spring and summer (April–September), whereas low-elevation (<500 m (1,600 ft)) populations breed in late autumn to early spring (October–March); mid-elevation populations breed throughout the year, with peak in spring. The eggs are laid in foam nests above the water, attached to branches of trees, bushes, or walls.^[6]

The IUCN classifies this frog as least concern of extinction.^[1]

See also

• List of protected species in Taiwan
• List of endemic species of Taiwan

References

1. IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2022). "Nantou Flying Frog: Zhangixalus moltrechti". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 3.1. p. e.T59005A63872888. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-1.RLTS.T59005A63872888.en. 59005. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
2. Frost, Darrel R. (2018). "Rhacophorus moltrechti Boulenger, 1908". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
3. Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael & Grayson, Michael (2013). The Eponym Dictionary of Amphibians. Pelagic Publishing. p. 146. ISBN 978-1-907807-42-8.
4. Lue, Kuang-Yang (2011). "Rhacophorus moltrechti". BiotaTaiwanica. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
5. Lue, Kuang-Yang; Lai, June-Shiang & Chen, Szu-Lung (1994). "A new species of Rhacophorus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Taiwan". Herpetologica. 50 (3): 303–308. JSTOR 3892703.
6. Chang, Y.-M.; Tseng, W.-H.; Chen, C.-C.; Huang, C.-H.; Chen, Y.-F. & Hatch, K. A. (2014). "Winter breeding and high tadpole densities may benefit the growth and development of tadpoles in a subtropical lowland treefrog". Journal of Zoology. 294 (3): 154–160. doi:10.1111/jzo.12162.