Tiny leaf-dwelling creature with see-through throat is a new species in Brazil. See it

Scientists recently identified a new species living among the leaves that litter the floor of the Amazon rainforest in Brazil.

The minuscule creatures were originally grouped in with an existing species, but after taking a closer look, researchers identified them as a new kind of nurse frog, according to a study published July 21 in Vertebrate Zoology.

Allobates albiventris — also known as pale-ventered nurse frogs — were previously categorized as another, similar species of nurse frogs known as Allobates gasconi, researchers said. However, using samples collected from five locations in southwestern Amazonia, several features were identified to distinguish them from similar species.

Here’s what experts learned about the new species of frog.

Tiny creatures

Unlike other species of nurse frogs, the pale-ventered nurse frogs are characterized by how small they are as adults.

Male frogs typically grow to be between about 0.5-inches and 0.64-inches, the study said. Females grow slightly bigger while still under an inch, ranging in size from about 0.6-inches to 0.7-inches.

Other species of nurse frogs, while still small, grow to be longer than the pale-ventered nurse frogs, experts said.

A translucent throat and unique call

Although they are light brown with varying dark brown patterns on their backs, the most defining characteristic that distinguishes the new species is its uniquely colored throat, experts said.

Male pale-ventered nurse frogs have a translucent white vocal sac and throat and a white belly, according to the study. Females do not have vocal sacs, but their bellies, chests and throats are a similar white color.

This distinct coloring helped experts determine the creatures as a new species instead of categorizing them as A. gasconi. Unlike the pale-ventered frogs, male A. gasconi frogs have gray to dark gray throats and pinkish gray bellies and chests while females have yellow throats, chests and bellies.

Experts also used the frog’s mating calls to identify them as a unique species.

The frogs have a two note call, the study said. The first note is shorter than the second, and there is a brief interval between each note.

Males use their call while mating with females, photos show.

Distinct tadpoles

Researchers also identified unique qualities in pale-ventered nurse frog tadpoles.

They noted that the creatures have highly pigmented tailed with brown spots, similar to a marbled pattern, according to the study. The tadpoles also hatch from eggs and feed externally, which is different than other, similar species.

A limited habitat

Specimens of Allobates albiventris were only found in five locations in the southwestern Brazilian Amazonia, experts said.

The frogs live among the leaf litter of the forests and are awake during the day, according to the study.

The creatures mate during the rainy season — from March through November — and males vocalize among the leaves and while perched on shrubs or fallen branches, researchers said. Eggs are deposited on living leaves of shrubs.

This story was originally published July 24, 2023 at 11:56 AM with the headline "Tiny leaf-dwelling creature with see-through throat is a new species in Brazil. See it."

Moira Ritter

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Moira Ritter covers real-time news for McClatchy. She is a graduate of Georgetown University where she studied government, journalism and German. Previously, she reported for CNN Business.