Pelophylax nigromaculatus (formerly Rana nigromaculata), is a species of true frog found in East Asia, first described in 1861. This widespread and common frog has many common names, including dark-spotted frog, black-spotted pond frog, and black-spotted frog.[1][2]
It occurs across much of eastern and northeastern China, the Amur River valley in Russia, the Korean Peninsula, and most of Japan, although it does not occur on Hokkaidō.[2][3] It has been considered the commonest of the true frogs on the Korean Peninsula, and has been hunted for food and used as an experimental animal.[4] There are introduced populations in Turkmenistan,[3] Oahu, and Saipan.[5]
The dark-spotted frog is a relatively low-altitude species, not being found above 2200 m. It ranges across a variety of habitats, from deserts and bushland to meadows and forests, and is typically found in or near stagnant or slow-moving water. Although relatively tolerant of human interference, it is increasingly threatened by hunting and water pollution.[1]
Adult males measure about 62 mm (2.4 in) and females 74 mm (2.9 in) in snout–vent length.[6] The dorsal colouration varies from grey to greyish-olive, olive, and green. There are usually large dark spots, a light mid-dorsal line, and two lines on dorso-lateral folds. The belly is white. The toes are webbed. Males have a paired vocal sac and nuptial pads on the first finger.[3]
Mating season occurs soon after hibernation. Maturation probably occurs at an age of two years, and the total life span may reach 13 years.[3] The clutch size has been reported as 1800–3000[1] or 600–5000[3] eggs. The eggs are laid in shallow water.[1]
Parasites of this frog include the opalinid Protoopalina pingi in the rectum.[7]
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Pelophylax nigromaculatus (formerly Rana nigromaculata), is a species of true frog found in East Asia, first described in 1861. This widespread and common frog has many common names, including dark-spotted frog, black-spotted pond frog, and black-spotted frog.
