Ranoidea wilcoxii (Günther, 1864)

Sexual Dimorphism Introduction

Ranoidea wilcoxii exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females have different physical appearances.

Snout-Vent Length

Females can reach a maximum snout-vent length of 70 mm (2.8 inches), while males reach up to 45 mm (1.8 inches).

Dorsal Skin Appearance

Most individuals have smooth brown skin, with speckles and blotches on the groin.

Facial Stripe Pattern

A thick black stripe runs from the nostril through the eye and tympanum to the base of the forearm.

Underside Coloration

The lower underside and groin range in color from light yellow to olive green, most commonly leaning toward beige brown.

Thigh Coloration

The thighs share this coloration but are more brightly colored.

Breeding Season Male Coloration

Females match this general description year-round, but males shift to a bright yellow to yellow-orange color during mating season.

Adhesive Disc Morphology

Like most other species in its genus, Ranoidea wilcoxii has climbing adhesive discs on its fingers and toes.

Snout Functions

The species’ snout serves two key functions in its natural habitat: it lets the frog stay low underwater to avoid predators, and acts as a ventilation system.

Underwater Breathing Mechanism

When the frog swims underwater, it can stick just the tip of its snout above the surface of the water to breathe.

Male Mating Call

For reproduction, males produce a very soft purring call from debris like rocks or vegetation, or from ground directly adjacent to a body of water.

Amplexus Process

After the female locates the calling male, the pair engages in amplexus.

Egg Laying Habits

Eggs are laid as a single submerged cluster attached to sediment.