Vietnamese Mossy Frog
Theloderma corticale (Boulenger, 1903)
Range: Northern Vietnam
Habitat: Evergreen Rainforest, Caves
Diet: Insects
Social Grouping: Unknown in wild, captives will tolerate groups
Reproduction: Breeds from April through June in rock cavities (sometimes in tree holes). Small masses of eggs laid above the water, hatch after 7-14 days. Tadpoles drop into water directly below. Metamorphosis takes 3 months.
Lifespan: 12-15 Years (Captivity)
Conservation Status: IUCN Data Deficient
- Body length 8-9 centimeters, females grow larger than the males. When resting, they are very flat and appear to be as wide as they are long
- Skin is mottled green and brown with numerous tubercles and small spines, resembling moss growing on rocks. Soft underbelly, sticky pads on the toes to enable climbing
- Camouflage is main defense; if frightened, will curl into a ball and pretend to be dead
- Active at night, spend the day clinging to mossy rocks just above the waterline or hiding beneath floating plants
- Threatened by habitat loss and collection for the international pet trade
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