Meristogenys jerboa (Günther, 1872)

Scientific Naming and Sexual Dimorphism

This species, scientifically named Meristogenys jerboa (Günther, 1872), shows strong sexual size dimorphism. Females can reach a maximum snout-vent length of 82 mm (3.2 in), while males are considerably smaller.

Adult Size Measurements

In a sample across multiple populations containing 32 adult males and 6 adult females, adult males had a snout-vent length of 34–41 mm (1.3–1.6 in) and adult females had a snout-vent length of 61–65 mm (2.4–2.6 in).

Snout Morphology

In vertical view, the snout is protruding.

Tympanum and Body Shape

Males have a larger tympanum than females. Males have a slender body shape, while females are slightly more stocky.

Toe Webbing

The toes are webbed.

Head and Flank Markings

A black marking surrounds the eye and tympanum, and extends onto the flank.

Iris Coloration

The upper third of the iris is bronze, and the lower parts of the iris are coppery.

Tadpole Suctorial Disk

Tadpoles of Meristogenys jerboa have a large suctorial disk.

Tadpole Coloration

They are generally light brown, but can range in shade from orange to a slightly olive hue.

Tadpole Body Shape

Their snout and body are depressed and streamlined.

Tadpole Tail Morphology

They have a strong tail with a pointed tip.

Tadpole Size

The largest recorded tadpoles, at Gosner stages 38–41, reach a total length of 41 mm (1.6 in).

Adult Habitat

Meristogenys jerboa lives in rocky streams located in lowland and hillside forests.

Breeding and Tadpole Ecology

Breeding occurs along these rocky streams, where tadpoles cling to rocks and likely feed on lithophytic algae.

Type Locality Status

The species' type locality falls within the Matang Forest Reserve, where it is abundant and faces no known threats.

Species Distribution

When the International Union for Conservation of Nature assessed this species' conservation status in 2004, it was not known to occur outside of this type locality, but later work by Shimada and colleagues has documented the species from multiple additional localities.