Liuixalus romeri (Smith, 1953)

Sexual Size Dimorphism

Liuixalus romeri, commonly known as Romer's tree frog, displays distinct sexual size dimorphism: females are slightly larger than males.

Basic Body Coloration

Its dorsal body is tan brown, while its underside is white.

Dorsal Markings

An X-shaped marking formed by two curved black lines appears on its back; in some individuals, these lines do not meet at the midline, resulting in a chevron-shaped marking on the posterior portion of the dorsum. An additional inverted V-shaped marking is located below the X-shaped marking.

Skin and Folds

Its skin is covered in fine granules, and a distinct fold stretches from the eye to the foreleg.

Snout and Lip Markings

This species has a triangular but blunt snout, with brown spots on its lips.

Interorbital Marking

A dark crossbar between the eyes extends out to the eyelids.

Hind Leg Characteristics

Its hind legs are long and slender, marked with irregular brown-to-black cross-bands.

Digit Adaptations

All digits have small toe pads that let the frog cling to tree branches and leaves.

Habitat Preferences

Romer's tree frog inhabits well-wooded areas near small streams or other water bodies suitable for breeding. It is typically found sitting on low bushes, buried in fallen leaf litter, or resting on bare ground.

Historic Distribution

For a long time, this species was only recorded on four outlying islands of Hong Kong: Lantau Island, Lamma Island, Po Toi Island, and Chek Lap Kok.

Extended Distribution

In 2007, a population was also reported from Guangxi, China, far from the known Hong Kong populations.

Breeding Site Constraints

The eggs and tadpoles of this frog are vulnerable to predation by introduced mosquitofish, so the species can only breed in sites that have not yet been colonized by this fish.

Breeding Period

Breeding takes place in shallow water from early March to September.

Mating Call

Males produce a shrill, staccato mating call.

Egg Laying Behavior

Females glue clutches of up to 120 eggs to submerged plant debris, stones, or vegetation.

Tadpole Development

Brown-colored tadpoles take 4 to 6 weeks to complete metamorphosis when raised in captivity.

Adult Diet

Adult Romer's tree frogs feed on termites, small insects such as crickets, and arachnids such as spiders.

Activity Pattern

This is a strictly nocturnal species.

Lifespan and Reproductive Period

It lives approximately three years in the wild, and females are reproductively active for only two breeding seasons over their lifetime.