The Pinocchio frog or northern Pinocchio treefrog (''Litoria pinocchio'') is a species of
frog in the subfamily
Pelodryadinae.
[ It was discovered in the Foja Mountains of ]Papua Province
Papua is a province of Indonesia, comprising the northern coast of Western New Guinea together with island groups in Cenderawasih Bay to the west. It roughly follows the borders of Papuan customary region of Tabi Saireri. It is bordered by ...
in Indonesia by Conservation International
Conservation International (CI) is an American nonprofit environmental organization headquartered in Crystal City, Arlington, Virginia.
CI's work focuses on science, policy and partnership with businesses, governments and communities. The organ ...
and the National Geographic Society during a 2008 expedition, where it was accidentally spotted by Paul Oliver, a herpetologist.[ Despite being discovered in 2008, it remained undescribed and was long known simply as the "Pinocchio frog" (with no given scientific name) until 2019, when it was finally described as ''Litoria pinocchio''.][ The frog is named for its Pinocchio-like nose, which can enlarge and inflate in certain situations.][ Although unusual, a similar nose is found in several other related frogs from New Guinea, including '' L. chrisdahli'', '' L. havina'', '' L. mareku'', '' L. mucro'', '' L. pronimia'' and '' L. prora''.][
]
Ecology and behavior
As a part of the subfamily Pelodryadinae, the Pinocchio frog's diet consists primarily of insects. They are also found high above ground, according to Paul Oliver. He believes this because when he spotted the frog, he did not see any more so he supposed they were up in the trees.
References
{{Taxonbar, from=Q64491366
Litoria
Amphibians described in 2019
Amphibians of Western New Guinea