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Megophrys zhoui

Megophrys zhoui

China
Status
Unknown

IUCN conservation assessment category

Habitat
Forest, Freshwater, Mountain

Primary ecological niche & biome

Diet
nocturnal beetles, plant flies, moths, and small insects

Dietary type and primary food source

Activity
primarily nocturnal

Diurnal, nocturnal, or active patterns

Scientific Summary

GBIF Taxonomic Backbone & Wikipedia Registry Profile

Holotype description. (Figs 3 D, I, N, S, X, 8). Measurements in mm. Adult male, with well-developed testes; body slender, extremely small (SVL 23.0); protuberance beyond cloaca small, not visible from ventral view, not swollen. Head moderate, longer than wide (HW 7.8, HL 8.3, IFE 4.5, IBE 7.2); snout near rounded in dorsal view, slightly protruding beyond lower jaw; rostral appendage absent (SL 3.6); canthus rostralis blunt; loreal region slightly concave, dorsal surface of snout slightly concave; nostril oval, closer to eye than tip of snout (SN 1.8, EN 1.4); distance between nostrils approximate distance between upper eyelids (IN 3.0, IUE 2.7); eyes twice size of tympanum (EL 2.7, TYD 1.3); pupils diamond, inferior angle slightly concave; eye-tympanum distance subequal with tympanum diameter (TYE 1.1); tympanum rounded, upper 1 / 3 conceal with supratympanic ridge; interorbital space flat, wider than upper eyelids (UEW 2.3); pineal ocellus not visible; two arcuate vomerine ridges present, orientation of two ridges acutely angled, not enlarged at posterior ends, shortest distance between two ridges equal to length of vomerine ridges; vomerine teeth absent; maxillary teeth present; tongue weakly notched behind, medial lingual process absent. Forearm slender, not wider than upper arms, shorter than hand (FAL 5.2, HAL 7.1); fingers thin, without rudimentary webbing; subarticular tubercles absent; inner and outer metacarpal tubercles indistinct; base of finger I equal wide with base of finger II; finger relative length I <II <IV <III; tips of fingers slightly swollen, without pads (FIIIW 0.5). Hindlimbs thin and long, tibio-tarsal articulation reaches middle eye; thighs shorter than shanks but longer than feet (TL 11.5, SHL 12.5, FOL 10.9, TFOL 16.7); toes slender, relative length I <II <V <III <IV, rudimentary webbed, without lateral fringes, tips slightly swollen, no dermal ridges on ventral surface; subarticular tubercles absent; outer metatarsal tubercle absent; inner metatarsal tubercle long oval (IMT 1.1), positioned on base of toe I. Dorsal surface of head and body basically smooth, with skin ridges formed by small disconnected granules; lateral surface of head smooth, tympanum ring not raised; two small granules on out edges of upper eyelid; supratympanic ridges nearly straight, extend from behind upper eyelids to above forearm insertions, rear part not thicker than the front; flanks smoother than dorsum, with several small tubercles one or two x size of nostril; skin on head scattered with tiny granules, some lager granules form a triangle between eyes; a " Y " - shaped skin ridges present between shoulders, but posterior part connected the middle of a " W " - shaped skin ridge on dorsum; several larger granules on rear dorsum behind the " W "; dorsal surface of arm smooth, scattered with tiny granules; dorsal hand and feet smooth; dorsal thighs and shanks smooth, with several larger granules; ventral surface of body and limbs smooth; pectoral glands tiny, barely visible, close to axilla on chest; pectoral glands small and rounded, slightly larger than fingertips; closer to outer edge of knee than to cloaca.
Biology & Conservation

Ecologically, the conservation status of Megophrys zhoui is officially designated as Unknown. Current field registries estimate a global population composed of an unquantified number of individuals, making habitat preservation critical to maintaining their wild populations.

It is typically endemic to forest, freshwater, mountain, showing great physiological synergy with its surroundings. In terms of dietary preferences, it relies primarily on a diet of nocturnal beetles, plant flies, moths, and small insects. It exhibits specialized adaptations centered around a primarily nocturnal activity pattern, optimizing its energy conservation and interactions within its native ecosystem. The species has a typical natural lifespan of approximately 6 years, allowing it to adapt and mature through structured generational cycles.

Ongoing biological monitoring and ecological advocacy emphasize the importance of protecting this species. The stability of its food chain and the prevention of fragmentation in its primary range are vital for the continued survival of Megophrys zhoui.

Energy & Activity Profile
Habitat & Adaptation Index
Quick Facts
Native RangeChina
Habitat RangeForest, Freshwater, Mountain
Lifespan6 Yrs
StatusUnknown
ScientificMegophrys zhoui
Registry Info
Lifespan6 years
KingdomAnimalia
FamilyMegophryidae