Raorchestes parvulus (Boulenger, 1893)

Species Identity

Raorchestes parvulus is a small species of frog.

Male Size

Mature males reach a maximum snout-vent length (SVL) of 23 mm (0.91 in), while modern sources report a typical SVL range of 18–21 mm (0.71–0.83 in) for males.

Head Morphology

This species has a rounded snout and a hidden tympanum.

Limb Morphology

Its fingers and toes are short and tipped with adhesive discs; fingers lack webbing entirely, while toes have slight webbing at their base.

Dorsal Coloration

The dorsal surface is greyish or brown.

Head Markings

A dark bar or triangular blotch between the eyes, as well as a curved dark band along the sides, may be present.

Limb Markings & Male Vocal Sac

The hind limbs bear distinct crossbars, and males have a large vocal sac.

Habitat Types

Raorchestes parvulus most commonly occurs in evergreen forest, but can also be found in grassland associated with heath forest.

Microhabitat

Individuals are mostly found in trees and dense vegetation, occurring both near streams and away from water bodies.

Elevation Range

It inhabits elevations ranging from 46–1,500 m (151–4,921 ft) above sea level.

Reproduction & Development

Males produce advertisement calls from vegetation, and this species is believed to have direct development (no free-swimming tadpole stage).

Threats

Raorchestes parvulus is likely threatened by habitat loss driven by logging, and the expansion of agriculture and human settlements.

Conservation Status

It is not classified as overall threatened, however, due to its wide distribution and assumed large total population.

Protected Area Presence

It has been recorded in multiple protected areas, and is thought to occur in many more protected sites.