Tyrrhenian painted frog

The Tyrrhenian painted frog is a short amphibian species of robust build, ranging from 5 to 7.5 cm (2.0 to 3.0 in) in length.

Its color varies from dark brown to grey, black or reddish brown.[2] Lighter spots are very commonplace, with plain individuals being rare. Most of the time, a large light spot is present between the shoulders and a large dark spot between the eyes, with a lighter, straight front edge. A bright crescent-shaped spot can sometimes be present on the top of the head between the snout and the midpoint of the eyes, near the shoulder girdle.

The belly is yellowish to cream white. The pupil is shaped like a reverse droplet, with the iris divided between a lighter golden upper half and a darker lower half, as characteristic of Discoglossus. As with other species of the genus, the eardrum is barely visible.

Skin is most often smooth. However, during mating season, males present a dry, rough skin. Soft warts are present on the neck and limbs, often in line patterns. The head is larger than it is wide, with the snout being slightly pointed and thinned out - noticeably more so than D. montalentii. The fourth finger of its front foot is spatulated rather than tapering and its hind legs are shorter.[3]

The Tyrrhenian painted frog is found in most parts of the islands of Corsica and Sardinia, but it is not present in the central highlands. It is also present on several small islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea, such as Iles d'Hyères, Giglio, Montecristo, and the Monte Argentario peninsula in Tuscany. Its habitats include coastal plains, forest streams, maquis shrubland, and upland coniferous forests. Slow streams and pools are used for breeding, and this frog can tolerate brackish water.[1][2]

Like other members of its family, the Corsican painted frog eats small invertebrates. Whether observations of this frog in the past were of D. sardus or D. montalentii is unclear, because they are so similar in appearance and were only recognised as different species in the late 20th century. Consequently, its reproductive habits are uncertain, but it is believed to lay its eggs in small groups or singly on the bottom of watercourses. They are brownish-black and 1 to 1.5 mm (0.04 to 0.06 in) in diameter with a thick, gelatinous casing.[2]

The IUCN has listed this frog as being of least concern. The populations in Corsica and Sardinia seem stable, but mainland populations are decreasing and populations on smaller islands may suffer from lack of genetic diversity. The main threats faced by this frog are degradation of its woodland and aquatic habitats, but it seems adaptable and able to tolerate some disturbance to its habitat.[1]

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