Leptopelis argenteus

Leptopelis argenteus
Leptopelis broadleyi , which may or may not be conspecific with Leptopelis argenteus
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Arthroleptidae
Genus:	Leptopelis
Species:	L. argenteus
Binomial name
Leptopelis argenteus (Pfeffer, 1893)
Synonyms[2]
Hylambates argenteus Pfeffer, 1893 Leptopelis argenteus meridionalis Schiøtz, 1975 Leptopelis broadleyi Poynton, 1985 — replacement name for L. a. meridionalis

Leptopelis argenteus, also known as the silvery tree frog or triad tree frog, is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae.^[1][2][3][4] It is found in coastal Kenya and Tanzania and south to northern Mozambique, southern Malawi, and eastern highlands of Zimbabwe.^[2][3]

Taxonomy

This species was

Depending on source, males measure 29–33 mm (1.1–1.3 in) in snout–vent length (SVL),[3] or males and females can be as large as 45 and 52 mm (1.8 and 2.0 in) SVL, respectively.^[4] It resembles Leptopelis concolor morphologically but differs has two dark dorsolateral stripes and a more diffuse canthal and lateral line. Webbing in the feet is reduced.^[3] There is usually a dark triangle between the eyes.^[4]

Habitat and conservation

According to the IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, this species inhabits savanna woodland with many trees and bushes. It can survive in altered habitats, provided that good vegetation cover remains. Males call high up in bushes and grasses, also quite far from water. The eggs are laid in a nest buried in mud near water.^[1]

Leptopelis argenteus is a common and adaptable species that is not facing any significant threats. It is sometimes present in the international pet trade. It occurs in many protected areas.^[1]

References