Scanty Frog

Scanty Frog
Conservation status
Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Suborder:	Neobatrachia
Family:	Microhylidae
Genus:	Cophixalus
Species:	C. exiguus
Binomial name
Cophixalus exiguus (Zweifel & Parker, 1969)
Range of the Scanty Frog

The Scanty Frog or the Dainty Nursery Frog (Cophixalus exiguus) is a Microhylid frog found in a restircted area of rainforest in north-east Queensland. It is the smallest frog species in Australia.

Physical description

The Scanty Frog is a very small frog, reaching a size of 16-19 millimetres (0.6-0.7 in). The dorsal surface is grey-brown, with random pale sections. In some specimens, a broad vertebral line is present, which broadens towards the eyes. It has a deep red patch on the groin. A faint "H" shape is present on the shoulders, and a V shape between the eyes. Toe pads are present, and webbing between toes and fingers are absent.

Ecology and behaviour

The Scanty Frog is a semi-arboreal species, usually found on the ground, beneath logs and leaf litter. It will call during mating season, from within the trees, as high as 1.5 metres. The mating call is a series of fast clicks. Its habitat is vine rainforests, which can include Acacia. The Scanty Frog is found in northern Queensland, south of Cooktown. It is geographically isolated from most species within its genus.

References

• Alford et al. (2004). Cophixalus exiguus. 2006. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. www.iucnredlist.org. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is near threatened
• Barker, J.; G.C. Grigg, M.J. Tyler (1995). A Field Guide to Australian Frogs. Surrey Beatty & Sons. ISBN 0-949324-61-2. 
• "Frogs Australia Network - Australian Frog Database - Cophixalus exiguus - Dainty Nurseryfrog". http://frogsaustralia.net.au/frogs/display.cfm?frog_id=203. Retrieved 2006-03-14.