Qinyuan Water Frog | Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures

Qinyuan Water Frog Overview

Appearance

The Qinyuan water frog, a captivating amphibian, showcases an enchanting blend of colors with a vibrant emerald-green dorsum adorned by intricate black patterns. Its lithe body is gracefully sculpted, featuring long hind limbs and delicate webbed feet that facilitate agile swimming.

Its round, expressive eyes exude curiosity and are accented by slender, golden irises. This amphibian’s skin boasts a smooth, moist texture, contributing to its adaptation for an aquatic lifestyle. Overall, the Qinyuan water frog’s appearance is a testament to nature’s artistry.

Origins And Evolution

The Qinyuan frog, native to China, is believed to have originated during the early Miocene epoch, approximately 23 million years ago, as evident from fossil records. It belongs to the genus Pelophylax and is closely related to other water frogs in the region.

Table of Contents

For its evolution, this species adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle, developing webbed feet, specialized skin glands for respiration and moisture retention, and an aquatic diet of insects and small aquatic organisms.

It displays remarkable ecological plasticity, thriving in various freshwater habitats, from ponds to slow-moving rivers. Despite facing threats from habitat loss and pollution, the Qinyuan water frog continues to persist, showcasing its resilience and adaptation over millennia.

Behavior and Lifestyle

The Qinyuan frog is a predominantly nocturnal amphibian, exhibiting a range of intriguing behaviors. It is a highly territorial species, with males emitting resonant croaks during the breeding season to establish dominance and attract mates.

These frogs are exceptional swimmers, using their webbed feet for swift movement in water. Their diet primarily consists of aquatic insects, small invertebrates, and occasionally vegetation. They seek refuge in submerged vegetation and burrows during daylight hours, displaying a cautious and reclusive lifestyle.

Qinyuan Water Frog Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Ranidae
Genus: Pelophylax
Species: Pelophylax qinyuanensis

Qinyuan Frog Locations

China
Specifically in the Qinyuan region

Fast Facts

Name: Qinyuan Frog
Scientific Name: Quasipaa spinosa
Habitat: Wetlands, Streams
Diet: Insects, Small fish
Physical Features: Spiky skin
Nocturnal: No, Diurnal
Solitary: Semi-aquatic, Territorial
Unique Order: Anura, Dicroglossidae
Lifespan: 5-8 years
Conservation Status: Data Deficient
Fun Facts: Thorny Appearance, Vocal Calls

Physical Characteristics

Color: Olive-green
Skin Type: Smooth, Moist
Top Speed: Slow swimmer
Lifespan: 5-8 years
Weight: Light-bodied
Length: 2-3 inches
Age of Sexual Maturity: 2-3 years
Age of Weaning: N/A (no parental care)

FAQs

What is the Qinyuan water frog’s scientific name?

The scientific name of the Qinyuan water frog is Pelophylax qinyuanensis.

Where is the Qinyuan water frog primarily found?

This frog species is primarily found in freshwater habitats in China.

What does the Qinyuan water frog eat?

Their diet consists of aquatic insects, small invertebrates, and occasionally vegetation.

What is the typical lifespan of a Qinyuan water frog in the wild?

In the wild, these frogs typically live for about 5 to 7 years.

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