Rana longicrus Stejneger, 1898

Species Introduction

Rana longicrus Stejneger, 1898 is a slender-bodied frog with relatively long legs.

Adult Size

Males measure 42–56 mm (1.7–2.2 in) and females 58–65 mm (2.3–2.6 in) in snout–vent length.

Habitat Range

This species occurs in subtropical broad-leaf forests and cultivated fields below 1,000 m (3,300 ft) in elevation.

Breeding Habitat

It breeds in marshes, pools, and ponds.

Threats

It is threatened by habitat loss, particularly from infrastructure development, and also by pollution.

Protection Status

It is currently protected within Yangmingshan National Park.

Breeding Season

In Aoti, northern Taiwan, the breeding season runs from November to March.

Minimum Maturity Size

The smallest measured mature male has a snout–vent length (SVL) of 33 mm (1.3 in), and the smallest measured gravid female has an SVL of 32 mm (1.3 in).

Maturity Timeline

Both sexes appear to reach this mature size by the end of their first year.

Peak Breeding

Peak breeding takes place in December, and this timing is probably influenced by rain.

Egg Laying

Females lay egg clutches of 600–2,000 eggs in water.

Metamorphosis Timeline

Metamorphosis occurs around two months after eggs are laid.

Survival Threats to Early Stages

Survival to the metamorphosis stage is low, caused by disturbance from human activities such as ricefield plowing, and by egg desiccation.