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Embracing Green Toads -in "Water"


Embracing Green Toads -in
Photo Information
Copyright: Bayram Gocmen (boreocypriensis) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4170 W: 160 N: 5650] (15130)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-05-19
Categories: Amphibians
Camera: Olympus C-5060WZ
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Theme(s): Turkish Herpetofauna, Camouflaged Toads or Frogs [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-06-08 2:10
Viewed: 887
Points: 64
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Bufo viridis (=Epidalea viridis) (Green Toad) [in Turk. Gece Kurbağası]

A widely distributed species with very complex systematics. The exact taxonomic status of many populations assigned to this species is not clear because there are diploid, triploid, and tetraploid populations in various parts of the range that have been named as subspecies or full species. These populations differ in call characteristics as well as the number of sets of chromosomes. Although some authors state the Turkish, Cypriotic and Middle East forms as B. variabilis known from more Northern parts, many authors accept that the many of the Asian forms close to B. viridis are treated as separate species.

The green toad occurs in Europe east of the Rhine River, including the southern tip of Sweden; the Balearic Islands, Corsica, and Sardinia; western Asia, including Turkey, Iran, Mongolia, and China; southwestern Asia and the Arabian Peninsula; and northern Africa, from Morocco to Libya.

Bufo viridis is a middle-sized robust toad reaching a total body length of 82 mm, exceptionally more (females may reach 100 mm). However, local populations in parts of the range are extremely variable in size. Head depressed, rounded; eyes distant from each other, with elliptical, horizontal pupils; iris is lemon yellow to greenish, with a dark reticular pattern. Rounded eardrum is well visible. Paratoid glands located on the upper lateral sides of the head are large, oval and parallel to each other rather than diverging. Extremities are relatively short and strong; toes are webbed. Skin is warty. The coloration is very variable. Ground colour of dorsum is whitish to greyish, with large green or brownish green spots, which can fuse into two parallel belts. The density of these spots varies considerably. A couple of green stripes extends from the nostrils to the eye. There are series of crossbars on the limbs dorsally. Belly is whitish, grey-white or yellowish, often with small darker spots. Males have a thickened base of the 1st-3rd fınger, relatively longer extremities, vocal sac, pale coloratian and are of signifıcantly smaller size.

Green toad is mostly a nocturnal, terrestrial species, found in water only during the short mating period. Breeding season is confined to wetter period, when adults enter suitable water bodies. Males’ call is very characteristic and is a high-pitched trill that lasts for about 10 seconds; it is said to resemble a bird more than a toad. Males grasp the female around the body behind the arms (Axillar amplexus) and then females are laid long strings of blackish-small eggs (1.2 mm diameter) ordered in two longitudinal rows [as seen in my captures: this and WS]. During this process and relatively end parts* of an amplexus, males pour out the male gametes over the female eggs to fertilize them (External fertilization). Like most Bufo tadpoles, tadpoles are small (12–15 mm) and blackish with clearly rounded tail tip and greyish white belly. During the metamorphosis, they possess dark markings on the belly. Metamorphosis of tadpoles occurs in the same year. Maturity is reached in the 2nd year.

Bufo viridis is ecologically a very plastic species, often considered to be one of the genetically most variable vertebrates. It is able to survive even extreme climatic conditions. It spends dry periods in deep, cool and humid burrows, holes and crevices, emerging only after the sunset. Diet of Green toad consists of a wide variety of invertebrates: eats arthropods and insects of all kinds. The green toad is usually found in open, drier lowland areas in Europe and more mountainous regions in Asia. However, it inhabits a relatively wide range of habitats: Mediterranean forest, steppes, semidesert regions, agricultural lands, gardens, close vicinity of human setlements. It is a pioneering species quickly colonising temporary mating pools, mosty in amhropogenous habitats. It breeds in a variety of water bodies, induding temporary ponds, bigger puddles, streams and rivers, irrigation channels and pools etc.

Bayram

* The bold parts here was indicated by Atatür in his critique. Thanks to him for his meticulous attention.

Ps. These shots was taken during a project on the population dynamics and breeding biology of R. holtzi (Taurus Frog) supported by TUBITAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey).

References:

1. Göçmen, B. (Unpub. results). The results of herpetological trips.
2. Budak, A. & Göçmen, B. (2005). Herpetology. Ege Üniversitesi Fen Fakültesi Kitaplar Serisi, No. 194, Ege Üniversitesi Basimevi, Bornova-Izmir, 226 pp. [2nd Edition, 2008].
3. Disi, A. M., Modry, D., Necas, P. & Rifai, L. (2001). Amphibians and Reptiles of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Edition Chimaira, 408 pp.
4. Grzimek, B., (2003). Grzimek’s Animal Life Encyclopedia, Second Edition Volume 6 Amphibians. Schlager Group Inc. 507 pp.
nkasot, mariki, matatur, cataclysta, montivipera, Argus, bahadir, marhowie, jaycee, xTauruSx, zulfu, SelenE, nglen, Gert-Paassen, Silvio2006, gracious, Jamesp, eng55, spalaxtr, ramthakur, NinaM, CeltickRanger, goldyrs, rousettus, yasemin, cypturk has marked this note useful
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To cypturk: Hi Cousinboreocypriensis 1 06-14 15:25
To uleko: Pardon:pboreocypriensis 1 06-09 06:58
To uleko: Hello Ullaboreocypriensis 1 06-09 06:57
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To yasemin: :pboreocypriensis 1 06-08 14:39
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Bayram,i'm thinking that in your country there is a lot of Viagra in a wilds waters..eheheh...a very great gallery,this is nice ,the colors and the sharpenss are perfects as your style,excellent note too,my best compliements,Luciano.

Bayram hocam anlaşılan Bolkar'da sadece Toros Kurbağası'nın üreme biyolojisini çalışmıyorsunuz. Arada diğer türlerinki de gidiyor anlaşılan. Su içerisinde olmasına rağmen son derece berrak resimler almışsınız. WS'deki resim özellikle eğitici duruyor. Elinize sağlık.

Nazım

Hello Bayram,

Very good picture of this toad couple. Excellent composition. Good sharpness and natural colours. Excellent note. The picture in the WS is very interesting too.
Cheers,
Mariki

A good macro study demonstrating the typical axillar amplexus Bayram, an interesting point of this underwater scene is, the male has already closed the nictitating membrane over its eye, while the female female is in the process of. I thought during the latter part of an amplexus the male releases its sperms over the females eggs, my friend...
Mehmet

  • Great 
  • gannu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 996 W: 4 N: 2570] (11874)
  • [2008-06-08 3:32]

Hello Bayram, you have thinking on these frog now a days. My invitation to india is still pending. This is just superb the colorful and stripes and having a mega time. I like the note by luciano of having a lot of viagara in your city. Ganesh

Hi Bayram
First reptiles, now amphibians. Second part of your great field guide ;-) Interesting moment, great photo and perfect note
TFS
Best wishes
Krzysztof

nice couple, greeetins Ori

Selam Hocam,

Ampleksustan devam ediyorsunuz. Belki Bolkar'da holtzi'den başka kurbağa yok mu diye düşünenler olmuştur, bu açıdan yerinde bir gönderi olmuş :) WS'deki fotoğrafla birlikte ve her zamanki gibi tamamlayıcı harika notlarla gene çok faydalı bir gönderi oldu, emeğinize sağlık.
Bir "Arazi Rehberi" kitabı hazırlasanız hiç uğraşmanıza gerek kalmaz herhalde, tüm notlar burada mevcut.
NOT: Sizin B. viridis eklediğinizi görünce ben de göndereyim dedim, hazır sizin notlar da varken :)

Saygılarımla
Naşit

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2765 W: 150 N: 7969] (24819)
  • [2008-06-08 7:38]

Hello Bayram,
A fine capture of a pair of mating Bufo viridis would be my dream, as it is very rare and protected in Sweden, where it occurs about 100km from where we live. Perhaps one day!
This fine sharp capture is an inspiration, taken from a great POV in the water with an egg string in the picture.
Thanks for sharing this beauty, my friend.
Best regards, Ivan

Bayram Hocam olayı en ince ayrıntısına kadar vermişsiniz. Yumurta şeritli WS deki kare de harika. elinize sağlık.
Bahadır

  • Great 
  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1909 W: 8 N: 4974] (16081)
  • [2008-06-08 8:12]

Hi Brother Bayram,

These two with the big spots are making me dizzy! Excellent shot showing the position while in the water. He seems to have a very tight grasp on her. She doesn't look like she is enjoying it.

Jane

Hi Bayram,
My next post will be a frog from my pond..A dedication to you & your reptile/amphibian contributions to TN :)
Great image and another interesting species here, especially considering the difficulties of shooting in water. The egg stream as Ivan has noted adds great interest as well.
Howard

Hocam nefis olmuş, kısa bir ara ile yazabiliyoruz. elinize sağlık. Selamlar.
Deniz

  • Great 
  • zulfu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 598 W: 0 N: 117] (669)
  • [2008-06-08 10:10]

Selam Hocam, yoldayız. resimlerin her ikisi de harika olmuş. elinize emeğinize sağlık.
Mehmet

  • Great 
  • SelenE Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2425 W: 63 N: 3999] (12912)
  • [2008-06-08 10:12]

Merhaba Bayram Bey,
Net, detayli ve guzel bir fotograf olmus. Elinize saglik
Selamlar

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 2130 W: 9 N: 5959] (22526)
  • [2008-06-08 10:55]

Hi Bayar. The colours look as if they are in the Army. Great detail and narural colours. where do you find them all. well done TFS.
Nick.. Excellent notes again.

Hello Bayram,

A nice but a good picture.
This couple is to busy to see you, good noto's too.

Gert

Hi Bayram, an other lovely couple in love, beautiful composition with splendid sharpness, very well done, ciao Silvio

  • Great 
  • joey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1883 W: 245 N: 6168] (21966)
  • [2008-06-08 12:28]

Very sharp and detailed shot of these mating toads :-D
Excellent clarity through the water.
Nice colours and great use of flash.
Superb composition.
I like the line of toadspawn in the top of the frame.

Well done Geckoman!

Joe

Merhaba Dr.Bayram,
Selam!!
many thanks for sharing quite a numbers of posting in frogs, very impressive and in good quality!
this one is no exception in fine sharpness, natural colour and good details
well done
greeting
Tony

  • Great 
  • Jamesp Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1303 W: 0 N: 5097] (15194)
  • [2008-06-08 13:07]

Hi Bayram

Splendid capture of these magificent toads. Great detail and exposure, plus the usual excellent note.

James

  • Great 
  • Juyona Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 2108 W: 6 N: 2116] (13589)
  • [2008-06-08 13:31]

Hola Bay,
original camuflage, color y buen pov,
excelente trabajo amigo,
saludos

  • Great 
  • eng55 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 474 W: 3 N: 474] (1475)
  • [2008-06-08 14:20]
  • [+]

Merhaba Bayram Bey,
Bu fotograftaki kamuflaj inanılmaz.İlk bakışta kaya parçası gibi gözüküyor.Yine çok başarılı olmuş çalışmanız.Tebrikler,iyi haftalar..

Hello my dear brother,
I am not surpised at the toad series :P
The encyclopedia of toads has widened.
I cant put it in words but congractulations
Information composition picture lighting everything is excellent!
Well done!
I was taught from the best,
your pictures prove this,
take care bro
Have a good rest!!!
Leyla yasemin

Bayram merhaba,
Bu günlerde biraz uzak kaldım TN'dan. Yine güzel bir belge sunmuşsun. Eline sağlık. Selamlar
Mustafa

These curiously coloured toads are a novelty for me, Prof, Bayram.
After reading your note, I gather these creatures denote great value in terms of ecology.
Apparently, this well-captured image is of great documentary significance.
Thanks for sharing it and best regards.
Ram

  • Great 
  • NinaM Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 654 W: 0 N: 1623] (5300)
  • [2008-06-09 5:59]

Wow, Bayram, how diversified those frogs are. This one wears an amazing camouflage and even one on top of the other, they're difficult to distinguish one from the other. I love your instructive notes accompanied with superb pictures. Thank you!

Francine

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2582 W: 170 N: 7867] (24879)
  • [2008-06-09 6:21]
  • [+]

Hello Bayram,
This is a toad I'd love to see - difficult, as it is very rare here. I like the workshop too showing the strings of eggs. Great sharpness and natural colours in these fine compositions.
(May I ask you to be so kind and have a look at this toad and check if I have the right ID - http://www.treknature.com/gallery/photo127343.htm.)
Many thanks and best wishes, Ulla

hello Bayram

another excellent close shot of lovers under the water,
fine POV, excellent sharpness and details, and excellent
camoulage with their environnement, TFS

Asbed

A lovely shot, bro!
Very well researched!
Goldy

Bolkarlarda bize çekecek pek bir şey bırakmadın hoca:) şaka tabiki. bildiğin gibi oralar o kadar zenginki ikimiz de hergün kamera elde çekim yapsak dünyaya yetecek kadar malzeme çıkar ordan.
açıyı öyle iyi ayarlamışsın ki su içinde olduğu zo anlaşılıyor. peşpeşe o kadar ampleksus gönderdin ki ilk yorumu yazan arkadaş gibi milleti farklı düşüncelere sevkettin:PP
selamlar.

Hello Uncle .I finding very interesthing tods series.... specially love stories... They all perfect shots and good composition...Well done uncle... Best wishes and all the best.....Merih

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