Pseudopaludicola falcipes

Pseudopaludicola falcipes (Hensel's swamp frog) is a species of frog in the family Leptodactylidae. It is found in the Pampas of northeastern Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil.[2][3]

Pseudopaludicola falcipes
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Leptodactylidae
Genus: Pseudopaludicola
Species:
P. falcipes
Binomial name
Pseudopaludicola falcipes
(Hensel, 1867)
Synonyms

Liuperus falcipes Hensel, 1867
Paludicola falcipes (Hensel, 1867)

Description

Males measure 13.5–16.0 mm (0.53–0.63 in) and females 14.7–18.1 mm (0.58–0.71 in) in snout–vent length. It shows extensive variation in patterns of dorsal coloration and in morphology.[3]

Pseudopaludicola falcipes shows variable dorsal coloration

Phylogeography

Pseudopaludicola falcipes shows a high level of genetic diversity but, contrary to what might expected for a small frog, no significant differentiation across its distribution range. This situation is probably possible because of the homogeneity of its habitat, the Pampean grasslands, large population sizes, and passive mechanisms of dispersal (hydrochory). Molecular data nevertheless suggest that Pseudopaludicola falcipes is divided into two populations, the larger one in Argentina and Uruguay, and the smaller one in Brazil. These populations are estimated to have separated some 1 million years ago, and become into contact again some 260 thousand years ago, permitting gene flow and leading to genetic admixture.[3]

Habitat and conservation

Pseudopaludicola falcipes is a common and abundant species.[1][3] It is found in grasslands, and also in rice plantations. It breeds in temporary pools and ditches. It adapts well to disturbed habitats and, given its wide distribution, is not considered threatened.[1]

References
  1. Esteban Lavilla, Lucy Aquino, Axel Kwet, Diego Baldo (2004). "Pseudopaludicola falcipes". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2004: e.T57313A11617897. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2004.RLTS.T57313A11617897.en.CS1 maint: uses authors parameter (link)
  2. Frost, Darrel R. (2016). "Pseudopaludicola falcipes (Hensel, 1867)". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 24 January 2016.
  3. Langone, José A.; Camargo, Arley; de Sá, Rafael O. (2016). "High genetic diversity but low population structure in the frog Pseudopaludicola falcipes (Hensel, 1867) (Amphibia, Anura) from the Pampas of South America". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 95: 137–151. doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2015.11.012. PMID 26639101.
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