Megaelosia | |
---|---|
Megaelosia boticariana | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Amphibia |
Order: | Anura |
Family: | Hylodidae |
Genus: |
Megaelosia Miranda-Ribeiro, 1923 |
Type species | |
Megaelosia bufonia Miranda-Ribeiro, 1923 |
|
Diversity | |
7 species (see text) |
Megaelosia is a genus of frogs in the Hylodidae family. The genus is endemic to the Serra do Mar and Serra da Mantiqueira in southeastern Brazil. These frogs are sometimes known as the big-tooth frogs.
Megaelosia are rheophilic: they are associated with fast-flowing rivers. They are difficult to collect because they are easily disturbed and plunge into the torrential waters. Their teeth of are fanglike and larger than those of their close relatives. This might be associated with their predatory habits: at least two species are known prey on small vertebrates as well as invertebrates. The tadpoles are aquatic. Megaelosia are relatively large frogs, with adults attaining lengths up to 120 mm (4.7 in) in snout–vent length.
There are seven species: