‘Extremely small’ horned creature — with ‘moderately large’ tongue — is new species
A minuscule, brownish-red creature sat atop a fern in a ravine in China and called out for a mate. That’s when a group of researchers spotted it.
The creature was actually a new species of horned toad, researchers said in a new study published Oct. 20 in ZooKeys. It was named Xenophrys pangdaensis — or the Pangda Horned Toad.
Scientists collected seven adult specimens of the toads, six males and one female, as well as 13 tadpoles, they said. The species was found in Pangda Village and Yadong Town in Tibet.
The toads are “extremely small” and are the smallest of the 29 identified Xenophrys species, researchers said. Males ranged in size from about 0.7 inches to 0.87 inches, while the single female specimen measured about 0.92 inches.
They have smooth, “saddle brown” skin that is covered with orange-red granules, scientists said. They have a unique marking that looks like two parentheses on their backs and a dark brown and orange triangle pattern between their eyes.
On their upper lips, the toads have dark brown patches, according to the study. Their lower lips have eight large white patches. There are also white blotches on their bellies and white curved lines on their throats.
The toads have orange-red irises, and their fingertips are orange-red, researchers said. Their forearms and thighs are marked by dark bands.
Scientists said the species had a “moderately large” tongue and noted that its snout extends beyond its lips.
Researchers observed male toads calling from ferns or on a small stream in the tropical forest, they said. Specimens were only collected during August and September, indicating that breeding season takes place during those months.
The species was named after its type locality in Pangda Village, according to the study.
This story was originally published October 20, 2023 at 12:16 PM with the headline "‘Extremely small’ horned creature — with ‘moderately large’ tongue — is new species."
