Noblella myrmecoides

Noblella myrmecoides is a species of frog in the family Strabomantidae. It is found in the upper Amazon Basin of southeastern Colombia, eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru, Bolivia, and western Brazil. Common name Loreto leaf frog has been coined for this species.

Etymology

The specific name myrmecoides is derived from Greek myrmex and -oides, meaning "ant-like", and refers to the small size of the species.

Description

Noblella myrmecoides is a small species: adult males measure and females in snout–vent length. The head is nearly as wide as the body and wider than it is long, and the snout is short. The tympanum is distinct. The fingers and toes are unwebbed; the fingers bear no discs whereas the tips of the toes bear dilated pads and discs. Dorsal skin is slightly granular. The coloration is variable, between light grayish brown to reddish brown. The venter is dark gray or dark brown.
A female measuring SVL contained six mature eggs in diameter. It is presumed that the development is direct, i.e., the eggs hatch directly into froglets, bypassing free-living larval stage.

Habitat and conservation

Noblella myrmecoides is a reasonably abundant species that inhabits lowland, premontane, and montane primary tropical moist forests at elevations between above sea level. It is a leaf-litter species. While much suitable habitat remains, it is locally threatened by habitat loss caused by, e.g., clear cutting and smallholder agriculture. It is present in the Manú National Park, Peru.