Pseudophilautus popularis (Manamendra-Arachchi & Pethiyagoda, 2005)

Taxonomy and Common Name

Pseudophilautus popularis, commonly known as the common shrub frog, is a species of frog in the family Rhacophoridae.

Endemic Range

This species is endemic to Sri Lanka.

Habitat Types

Its natural habitats include subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, arable land, pastureland, rural gardens, and heavily degraded former forest.

Elevation Range

Specimens have been observed at elevations ranging from 0 to 1067 meters above sea level.

Adult Male Size

Adult males measure between 17.7 and 21.3 mm in snout-vent length.

Adult Female Size

Gravid adult females measure between 23.0 and 25.6 mm in snout-vent length.

Dorsal and Head Coloration

The top of the head and dorsal skin are brown.

Flank Coloration

The flanks are dark brown or black, marked with scattered white or light blue spots.

Inguinal Region Coloration

The inguinal region is gray-brown.

Tympanum Area Markings

The area surrounding the tympanum has blue dots.

Leg Coloration

The legs are brown with darker brown bars.

Ventral and Webbing Coloration

The ventrum is gray-brown, the undersides of the hind legs are yellow, and the webbed skin is also yellow.

Conservation Status

This species is classified as Vulnerable.

Threats

Threats to it include habitat loss driven by urbanization, as well as exposure to pollution, fertilizers, and pesticides.

Protected Occurrence Site

One confirmed location where this frog has been found, the Bellanwila-Attidiya sanctuary, is a protected area.