Dermatonotus muelleri (Boettger, 1885)

Genus Classification

The genus Dermatonotus belongs to the frog family Microhylidae. This genus is monotypic, meaning it contains only one species: Dermatonotus muelleri, commonly called Muller's termite frog.

Species Distribution

This species is distributed across Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay.

Body Morphology

Muller's termite frog has a stout body, and adults reach a snout–vent length of approximately 40–50 mm (1.6–2.0 in). Females of this species are larger than males.

Ecology and Reproduction

It is a subterranean species that feeds primarily on termites, and uses explosive breeding.

Conservation Threats

While this species is locally abundant across parts of its range, habitat loss poses a threat to it in some areas. It is also occasionally collected for the international pet trade.