Harlequin Frog
Discovery
Although long known to locals, the species was first known to science during a survey in 12,897 when a specimen jumped from a tree onto the face of a researcher. They were officially described in 12,899, and classified as least concern due to being found as an incredibly common animal. Since then, however, the species' status has been reconsidered and reclassified as threatened due to falling populations. The cause of population loss is currently unknown, but thought to be primarily due to fragmented habitat, pollution, and disturbance during breeding by people. It has been since noted by researchers that this species in particular is at risk due to harassment by celebrants often capturing the frogs for use in festivals, social media posts, and displacement due to parades. Pollution following celebrations, particularly of discarded alcohol bottles and plastic decorations is noted as another risk to the species, as the frogs will attempt to consume most things small enough to fit in their mouths.Basic Information
Anatomy
The Harlequin Frog, also known as the Jester Frog, Clown Frog, or Mardi Gras Frog, is a large species of semi-arboreal frog native to Louisiana and southern Appalachia. The frogs are known for their striking green and white coloration with splashes of red, orange, blue, or purple along their sides. Their massive eyes and pink tipped toes are considered to be highly endearing, making the frogs look similar to depictions of clowns or jesters. With large mouths, the frogs can consume animals much larger than is often expected.
Genetics and Reproduction
Harlequin frogs reproduce quite early into the year, typically as temperatures begin to rise. As such, they have become known as Mardi Gras frogs, due to their emergence and mating calls typically falling around the celebration of the same name. The species has a distinctive call that oftentimes is used as a symbol of springtime, celebration, and warmer weather. Due to this, the species has become the national amphibian of Louisiana, and is highly protected in the region.
Harlequins will mate in large groups promiscuously. Eggs are laid in large groups in the trees, typically in natural hollows, damp moss, and points where water collects. After growing legs, tadpoles will begin to make their way out of the trees and into the water below, where a majority will become food for fish, small alligators, and other amphibians. It is thought that their bright coloration is a marker of successful specimens, as larger frogs are typically much more colorful and tend to attract more mates than smaller and less colorful individuals.
Ecology and Habitats
The species is endemic to the swamps and bayous of Louisiana and other southern Appalachian territories. As a semi-arboreal species, the frogs spend the majority of their time in trees such as cypress and mangrove, feasting on insects. During breeding seasons and periods of temperature swings, the frogs will descend from the canopy to the waters below. This is often done at night, typically just after dusk.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Primarily insect eaters, the majority of their diet is made up of mosquitos, damselflies, dragonflies, weevils, and moths. The species will eat anything they can fit into their mouths, however, including but not limited to other amphibians, tadpoles, fish, and lizards. A large danger for the species is actually cannibalism, as adults are known to eat tadpoles and froglets of their own species if they are encountered.
Origin/Ancestry
Natural
Conservation Status
Threatened
Average Weight
4-5 inches
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Greens, white, blue, red, and pink
Geographic Distribution
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