- English: Iberian painted frog
- Scientific: Discoglossus galganoi
- Spanish: Sapillo pintojo ibérico
- French: Discoglosse de Galgano
- German: Iberische Scheibenzüngler
- Italian: Discoglosso di Galgano
- Portuguese: rã-de-focinho-pontiagudo
Description
A medium sized frog, the western Iberian Painted Frog – Discoglossus galganoi – Sapillo pintojo ibérico is usually 45 to 60 mm (1¾ to 2½ inches). The head is flattened and wide at the rear with a pointed snout. The skin smooth or with small warts and the coloration is very variable, ranging from greenish, yellowish, brown, grey or dark brown with irregular darker spots, which may eventually form longitudinal streaks.
Mainly of crepiscular and nocturnal activity, although also can be seen out and about in the daytime in wet weather.
Living in a variety of habitats in open areas, small streams, rivers, ponds and woodland of high humidity with abundant herbaceous vegetation that serves as a refuge. The water bodies which they use for breeding are usually small and often temporary, puddles, overflow from troughs and still areas in slow running streams.
They feed primarily on insects, arachnids, molluscs and annelids. The larvae feed on plant matter and debris.
The breeding season extends from the onset of the autumn rains to the end of April. Often the most pairing and spawning occurs between January and March. Females lay between 300 and 600 eggs which are fixed to the bottom of the water body, they hatch between 5 to 9 days later and metamorphosis is completed after 42-58 days. (Can be less in temporary water masses)
Similar species
There are two similar looking species which can be distinguished mainly by their distribution:
- Western Iberian Painted Frog (Discoglossus pictus) Limite to North East Spain (Gerona)
- East Iberian Painted Frog (Discoglossus jaenneae) Southern and Eastern Spain
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