Tailing After the Coastal Tailed Frog
The coastal tailed frog, or more simply the coastal tailed frog (Ascaphus truei), is a species of frog native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America, ranging from the Cascade mountains to the coast of the Pacific Ocean, as well as parts of the Rocky Mountains. They require deep, cold streams-- 20 °C (68 °F) at most-- and are more often found at higher altitudes and within old growth forests.
Tailed frogs are incredibly small, ranging from 2.5 to 5 cm (0.9 to 1.9 in) in length. They are plainly colored, usually brown, red, or black to blend in with their environment. The most unique feature of A. truei, which also gives them their common name, are the 'tails' which are sported by male adults. In fact these tails are an extension of the cloaca, and they play an important part in reproduction.
Unlike most other frogs, coastal tailed frogs are non-vocal. From May to September, males seek out nearby females and insert their 'tail' into her cloaca, fertilizing her eggs internally. Afterwards, the female deposits up to 85 eggs underneath a rock in a local stream. The eggs hatch within 6 weeks, and the larvae remain there for anywhere from 1-4 years depending on the population's region. During this time, tadpoles possess a suction mouth which they use to attach themselves to rocks and consume algae. After metamorphosis, juvenile tailed frogs take another 1-4 years to reach full maturity. Adults can live to be at least 14 years old in the wild.
Coastal tailed frogs generally stay close to a water source, where they find most of their food. Both adults and tadpoles are nocturnal, and reduce their activity levels in winter. A. truei adults feed mainly on small insects and snails. Due to their small size, tailed frogs have a variety of predators including garter snakes, shrews, salamanders, fish, and larger insects.
Conservation status: The IUCN has classified the coastal tailed frog as Least Concern. Their primary threat comes from habitat destruction, although global warming may also be contributing to the reduction of their range.
