Tyrrhenian painted frog

Discoglossus sardus

TAXONOMY

Discoglossus sardus Tschudi, 1837, Sardinia. No subspecies recognized.

OTHER COMMON NAMES

English: Sardinia painted frog; French: Discoglosse sarde; German: Sardischer Scheibenzüatngler.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

This is a small, squat frog that can be dark brown, dark gray, reddish, or red-brown, with or without dark brown spots. Average body size is 2.76–3.15 in (70–80 mm).

DISTRIBUTION

These frogs are restricted to Sardinia, Corsica, and several small islands of the Tyrrhenian Sea. They are also found on the Italian mainland on the small peninsula Monte Argentario (Tuscany).

HABITAT

These frogs occur in a variety of habitats, including open, windy, desolate coastlines and coniferous forest streams. They prefer stagnant water or slow-running brooks, but have also been found in slightly brackish waters.

BEHAVIOR

What is known seems to be similar to that of other frogs in the genus.

FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET

Insects and other invertebrates make up most of the diet of these frogs.

REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY

Reproduction seems to be similar to that of other frogs in the genus. Females lay eggs in small clumps or singularly on the bottom of a stream or on or near aquatic vegetation.

CONSERVATION STATUS

Not threatened. However, because populations are so small, the species may be at greater risk of decline owing to habitat destruction and fragmentation.

SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS

None known.