About Raorchestes luteolus (Kuramoto & Joshy, 2003)
Raorchestes luteolus is a small frog species. Adult males measure 24–29 mm (0.94–1.14 in) in snout-vent length, with a mean adult male snout-vent length of 26.8 mm. Its colouration is variable. The most common dominant colour form is yellowish brown with light-brownish lines, or light-yellowish with discontinuous light-brown lines. Some individuals may be almost golden yellow with only faint spots. The iris is light brown, encircled by a bluish green outer ring. This species is a close relative of Raorchestes travancoricus, and the two can be confused. Distinguishing characters of R. luteolus include its medium size, pointed snout, rounded canthus, yellow or yellowish brown dorsum with dark brown spots and faint discontinuous lines, and golden yellow or yellowish brown loreal and tympanic regions. R. luteolus is most commonly found in disturbed habitats, near coffee plantations adjacent to primary forests, and along waysides. It has also been recorded from Myristica swamps in Sharavathi. Observations place this species between 500 and 1250 meters above sea level. The full life cycle of Raorchestes luteolus has not been described in detail. However, observation of an amplexing pair found away from water suggests this species has direct development, which is typical for the genus Raorchestes.
