Hyloxalus maculosus (spotted rocket frog) is a species of frogs in the family Dendrobatidae. It is endemic to the eastern slopes of Ecuadorian Andes in Napo and Pastaza provinces at elevations of 460 to 1,150 m (1,510 to 3,770 ft) asl.[2][3]
Hyloxalus maculosus has been considered a synonym of Hyloxalus bocagei,[4] but it is now treated as a valid species, though within the Hyloxalus bocagei species complex.[2][5] In addition to morphological differences in both tadpoles and adults, male call parameters differ between Hyloxalus maculosus and Hyloxalus bocagei.[5]
Males measure 20–25 mm (0.79–0.98 in) and females 22–29 mm (0.87–1.14 in) in snout–vent length. Dorsum is reddish-brown, more reddish posteriorly and in the hind limbs. There are brighter reddish-brown spots posterior to eyes and on arms at the arm-body junction. An oblique lateral stripe is present; it is complete but becoming diffused anteriorly or incomplete. Toe webbing is extensive.[3][5]
The male call is a long trill composed of paired pulsed notes. Tadpoles measure up to 37 mm (1.5 in) in total length, and newly metamorphosed juveniles about 10–11 mm (0.39–0.43 in).[5]
The range of Hyloxalus maculosus is within "Lowland Evergreen Forest" and "Foothill Evergreen Forest" vegetation zones. Males have been found calling on rocky streams at both sides of a road and inside water ducts that cross under the road. One male carrying nine tadpoles was found near a tiny pond, on a rocky stream surrounded by pasture. Tadpoles have been found in slow-running water in the ditch.[5]
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed Hyloxalus maculosus as "Data Deficient" in 2008,[1] but Páez-Vacas and her colleagues suggested in 2010 that it should be considered as "Critically Endangered" because of its small range and habitat loss occurring in that range.[5]
Hyloxalus maculosus (spotted rocket frog) is a species of frogs in the family Dendrobatidae. It is endemic to the eastern slopes of Ecuadorian Andes in Napo and Pastaza provinces at elevations of 460 to 1,150 m (1,510 to 3,770 ft) asl.
