About Rheohyla miotympanum (Cope, 1863)
Males of Rheohyla miotympanum reach up to 38 mm (1.5 in) in snout–vent length, while females can grow to 51 mm (2.0 in). The tympanum is distinct but is dorsally obscured by a well-developed supratympanic fold. Fingers are about one-third webbed, and toes are about three-fourths webbed. Dorsal skin is smooth. Dorsal coloration is pale green, and ventral coloration is creamy white. Tadpoles of this species have a relatively small oral disc. Rheohyla miotympanum lives in a variety of habitats and vegetation zones in the Sierra Madre Oriental, Sierra Madre de Oaxaca, and Sierra de los Tuxtlas, at elevations from 350 to 2,000 m (1,150 to 6,560 ft) above sea level. It is often associated with bromeliads or elephant-ear plants, but can also be found on the ground, in bushes, or on small plants. Reproduction occurs in streams and ponds. This sets it apart from related genera: Ecnomiohyla breeds in tree holes, while Charadrahyla, Plectrohyla, and Sarcohyla breed in cascading streams. Despite this difference in breeding habitat, amplexus between Rheohyla miotympanum and Charadrahyla taeniopus has been observed. Rheohyla miotympanum is a fairly common species. While its overall population is estimated to be stable, the species faces threats. The most important threat is habitat loss and degradation caused by small-scale agricultural development and logging. Other potential threats include collection for human consumption, collection for the pet trade, chytridiomycosis, and pesticides. Several protected areas lie within this species' range.
