World's smallest frog discovered and it does not lay eggs in water

This newly found frog is not only incredibly small, with a maximum length of about 30 millimeters, but it also has a unique way of laying eggs.

In Short

• This tiny Limnonectes species has a special method of laying eggs
• The male frogs take care of clutches of eggs attached to leaves
• This new frog shares its home with another frog species called L. arathooni

Researchers have identified the world's smallest frog species in Sulawesi, Indonesia.

The newly found species, belonging to the Limnonectes genus, showcases a distinctive reproductive behaviour, laying eggs on land, a characteristic previously only observed in one other species on the island.

The research team, led by biologists exploring the rich biodiversity of Sulawesi, stumbled upon the diminutive Limnonectes during their fieldwork. This newly found frog is not only incredibly small, with a maximum length of about 30 millimeters, but it also has a unique way of laying eggs.

While some other frogs in Sulawesi are known to lay eggs on land, this tiny Limnonectes species has a special method. The male frogs take care of clutches of eggs attached to leaves or mossy rocks about one to two meters above small streams or puddles. This behavior is different from other frogs in the area.

The discovery is particularly significant because it's hard to tell if the differences we see are because they are different species or just variations within the same species.

This new frog shares its home with another frog species called L. arathooni, which is also known to lay eggs on land. These two species look quite similar in size and appearance, making it challenging to tell them apart.

However, the researchers successfully differentiated the two species based on several factors, including body size, advertisement call, egg-laying behaviour, and genetic distance.

Unlike its counterpart, which deposits eggs in streamside leaf litter or holes in stream banks, the new species opts for "leaf nests" positioned high above the ground, hanging over forest streams and seeps.

Moreover, the findings shed light on the unique parental care exhibited by male frogs of the new species. These males attentively watch over one or two nests until tadpoles emerge and drop into the water below, exemplifying a fascinating aspect of the frog's reproductive behaviour.

This finding tells us a lot about the unique and surprising behaviours of these tiny frogs in Sulawesi. Even though there are still many frogs in this area that scientists haven't officially named, this discovery helps us understand more about the fascinating world of these small creatures in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.

Published By:
Sibu Kumar Tripathi
Published On:
Dec 21, 2023