A new species of glass frog–a tiny green critter so translucent that its organs are visible from its underside–has been discovered in the forested mountains of eastern Costa Rica.
The recent discovery, a surprise given the extensive research conducted in the region during the past century, was announced recently in the taxonomy journal Zootaxa.
Hyalinobatrachium dianae was named by its discoverer, Brian Kubicki, after his mother, Janet Diana Kubicki, because of her support of her son’s interest in science and nature.
The name also is in reference to the Roman goddess of hunting, Diana.
According to Costa Rica’s Tico Times, there are 149 species of glass frogs residing in Central and South America. The new discovery brings to 14 the number of glass frogs that reside in Costa Rica, which is in Central America north of Panama.
The nocturnal frog boasts a distinct call, and also stands out from other glass frogs because of its long, thin feet and black-and-white eyes.
“It’s advertisement call is quite unique,” Kubicki, the research paper’s lead author, said, in reference to calls make frogs make to attract females. “It’s different than any other species that has been discovered.”
Kubicki explained that the frog’s call—a long, tinny whistle–is similar to that of an insect’s call, which helps to explain why the frog went undiscovered for so long.
Six frogs were collected during the discovery mission in the upper reaches of the eastern provinces of Limon and Heredia. The frogs measure about 2.5 centimeters.
–Pete Thomas
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