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AmphibianTerrestrialIntermediate
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Cordillera Forest Frog
Platymantis subterrestris
A highly specialized montane frog endemic to the Cordillera Central of Luzon, requiring cold, misty environments and deep moss carpets to survive its unique semi-fossorial lifestyle.
Class:Amphibia
Order:Anura
Family:Ceratobatrachidae
Subfamily:Ceratobatrachinae
Genus:Platymantis
Species:Platymantis subterrestris
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
70 - 90 %
Day temperature
24 - 28 °C
Night temperature
20 - 23 °C
UVB
Low
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: This species is endemic to the Cordillera Central mountain range on Luzon Island, Philippines. It inhabits wet montane mossy forests and cloud forests at very high elevations, typically between 1,500 and 2,200 meters, dwelling within thick moss carpets on trees and roots.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Belongs to the family Ceratobatrachidae and the genus Platymantis. It is a specialized high-altitude species that undergoes direct development. Terrestrial eggs are laid in deep, moist sphagnum moss or under rotting bark and develop without an aquatic tadpole stage.
Behavior and Habits: Nocturnal and semi-fossorial or terrestrial. During the daytime, it retreats into deep moss tunnels or crevices under tree root systems. At night, it emerges to hunt micro-invertebrates. Males call from within wet moss layers or damp soil crevices.
Morphology: A small frog with a compact, robust body shape. It exhibits a rounded snout and granular skin textures that help retain body moisture in thin mountain air. Dorsal coloration is highly cryptic, ranging from dark brown to moss-green, blending with mossy bark.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: A horizontally oriented or mixed terrarium measuring at least 45x45x45 cm (18x18x18 inches) is required. Provide a deep substrate layer of live sphagnum moss and peat, decorated with cork bark, tree roots, and montane-appropriate ferns and moss species.
Lighting and Heating: Use low-heat LED lighting and a 2% UVB source. As a high-altitude montane specialist, it demands cold temperatures. Keep daytime temperatures strictly between 16°C and 21°C (60°F-70°F), with a night drop to 14°C (57°F). Temperatures above 23°C are lethal.
Humidity and Hydration: Maintain extremely high relative humidity between 90% and 95%, simulating the cloud forest fog. Mist heavily with chilled reverse osmosis water. The moss substrate must remain wet at all times, but ensure there is adequate drainage to prevent stagnation.
Feeding and Supplementation: Strictly insectivorous. Feed a variety of small live prey such as flightless fruit flies, pinhead crickets, springtails, and dwarf isopods. Dust prey with pure calcium carbonate and D3 twice weekly, and an amphibian multivitamin once a month.
Compatibility: Best housed singly or in established breeding pairs. Avoid housing multiple males together due to intense territorial calling stress. Do not mix with species from warmer or drier climates, as their environmental requirements are incompatible.
Health and Common Diseases: Heat stress is the most immediate risk, leading to rapid mortality. Bacterial or fungal dermatosis (Red Leg) can occur if the enclosure becomes dirty or lacks ventilation. Daily monitoring of temperature and hygiene is vital.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
This species is endemic to the Cordillera Central mountain range on Luzon Island, Philippines. It inhabits wet montane mossy forests and cloud forests at very high elevations, typically between 1,500 and 2,200 meters, dwelling within thick moss carpets on trees and roots.
Origin
South and Southeast Asia
Amphibian profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- No verified data available
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Toxicity
- No verified data available
- Life stage
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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