Sparrowfrogs

Sparrowfrogs inhabit the many layers of The Verdant Gorge and are commonly seen gliding between the trees of the canopy and even the lush floors of the jungle on the banks of the Godswollen River.
The appear as elegent tree frogs, about a foot long, but with golden, almost translucent wings that can stretch out to a 3 foot wingspan. They move by climbing trees and launching themsevles through the air to glide through the canopy. Occassional flaps can guide them as the glide and even provide some uplift.
The congregate in their hundreds during their spawning every three months, and their calls fill the air of the Verdant Gorge with trills and high trumpeting hoots.

Basic Information

Genetics and Reproduction

The sparrowfrogs are amphibious, and begin their life as tadpoles. Mature female sparrowfrogs will spawn on mass across the upper layers of the Verdant Gorge, laying eggs in the many bowls and nooks of trees where water is captured. The spawning happens every three months, coinciding with the movement of the two moons far above.
The eggs are common food for many birds and other hunters across the verdant gorge, but the sheer volume of the spawn means many will survive.

Growth Rate & Stages

They live as tadpoles for the first few weeks, living mostly of insect larvae also growing in their waters. After a few short weeks they emerge from the water when their wings have grown. At this stage they are not quite and inch long, and will spend the next few months flying in very short bursts, rarely leaving the protection of their birth tree and eating small insects and plant matter in equal measure.
A fully grown sparrow-frog can get to a foot long, with their wingspan reaching nearly 3 feet when full extended. By this stage they will fly many kilometeres in search of food, and descend as far as the floor of The Verdant Gorge. They never leave the protection of the canopy, as the sun will easily dry them out.

Behaviour

Sparrowfrogs are an strange creature, They crave independance, and will often be seen flying and hunting alone, but at the same time will seek out companionship - eother with each other during the spawning, but also with Kin and other travellers of the Verdant Gorge.
They are highly curious, and absolutely fearless. This is likely due to their powerful toxic venom that they secrete as a defence. Sparrofrog venom is prdocued by glands secreted through the skin, and when under extreme duress, can even be spat out through the mouth as an attack.
The venom will blister exposed skin, and if it comes in contact with a victims blood stream, will result in rapid and powerful full-body swelling and painful inflamation of internal veins and organs. If enough exposure occurs, death is quite possible.
This has led to sparrowfrogs having no nautral predators, and little to fear other than poachers seeking their venom glands for illicit trade.

Additional Information

Domestication

Sparrow-frogs are quite intelligent and highly curious creatures, and have been known to seek out the company of kin.
They can be trained and kept as pets, as long as care is taken not to stress them and provoke a venomous attack. They always retain a strong independance and need to join the spawning every three months. Fully domesticaed sparrowfrogs are not possible, as most will seek to escape if kept against their will, and their captors often fall victim to their venom.
If given food and companionship along with the freedom to roam, they can be loyal friends.

by Midjourney

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The eggs of the sparrowfrogs are often collected by denizens of The Verdant Gorge for food. They are high in protein and have a sweet and oily taste. Sparrowfrog caviar is a delicacy amongst the Lords of Fire from The Gleaming City.
Sparrowfrog poison is potent, and can be collected without harming the sparrowfrog itself. Care must be taken when doing so, as even a healthy kin can be laid low, or even die if exposed to too much. The poison has many nefarious uses, and black markets thrive in the harvesting and smuggling of it world-wide.
More unscrupulous poachers will kill the sparrowfrogs for the poison glands themselves as it is quicker than coaxing small amounts from a living creature.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Sparowfrogs have a vibrant green colouration, with golden semi-translucent wings.

Geographic Distribution

• The Verdant Gorge

by Midjourney