Field Guide: Amphibians of Manu | Page 240

Microhylidae Microhylidae includes a cosmopolitan group of species usually called sheep frogs. There are 18 species in Peru, 7 both in the Madre de Dios department and in the Manu area of which we include 6 species in this guide. Their dorsal patterns of coloration resemble the leaf litter. Their ventral areas have distinctive patterns of markings and colours, which are the best feature for identification of this group. They are usually small species, although some can reach a big size (>60 mm). Microhylidae They are terrestrial species and live within the leaf litter. In the Manu area they are found in the lowland areas. They feed on small terrestrial arthropods, usually specialized on ants and termites. They breed on temporary and permanent forest ponds where the lay the eggs at the film surface on the water. Hamptophryne boliviana