About Triprion spatulatus Günther, 1882
Triprion spatulatus is a species of large frog. Males reach 87 mm (3.4 in) and females reach 101 mm (4.0 in) in snout–vent length. The head has broad labial flanges, which gives it a spoon-like shape. This shape is referenced in both the species-specific epithet spatulatus, from the Latin word spatulus meaning spoon, and the species' common name. The eyes are moderately large, protuberant, and oriented anterolaterally. The tympanum is visible, but is partially obscured by labial, postorbital ridges, or both. The fingers have large discs and some rudimentary webbing, while the toes are around two-thirds webbed. For the nominotypical subspecies, the general body coloration is pale green or yellowish tan with flecks ranging from green to yellow. The head is somewhat darker than the back, the flanks have a yellowish tint, and the venter is white, apart from grayish brown flecks in the vocal sac of breeding males. The subspecies T. s. reticulatus has a pale yellowish tan or olive-green base color, patterned with dark brown or black reticulations and spots. Triprion spatulatus inhabits lowland xeric and thorn-scrub forest, as well as tropical deciduous forest, at elevations up to 350 m (1,150 ft) above sea level. Breeding occurs in temporary streams and ponds created by rainfall, so it is limited to the rainy season. This is a common species that is not currently facing significant threats, although fire and changes in rainfall patterns are potential threats. Its known range includes the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve.
