Zhangixalus dulitensis

Jade Tree Frog

                                                                                       

Zhangixalus dulitensis is among the most beautiful and graceful Bornean frogs. The coloration is a luminous green with some red-brown markings. The belly skin is partially translucent, so that eggs can be seen in females.

Males are up to 40 mm, females are approx. 50 mm. Males call from vegetation around ponds. We found them perching 1-2 m above ground. The call is a soft trill. 

Z. dulitensis is quite common in primary lowland forests, but may be hard to find because it lives high up in the trees and comes down only to breed. Breeding bouts seem to be quite unpredictable. 

We found tadpoles in ponds and puddles with silty bottom; some of them were ephemeral. These preferences are shared with, for example, Kurixalus appendiculatus. 

Amplecting pair © Kurt - Hock Ping Guek