Hypopachus is a term used in the field of herpetology to refer to a genus of small frogs belonging to the family of Centrolenidae. These frogs are commonly found in Central and South America, particularly in countries like Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia, among others.
Hypopachus frogs are characterized by their small size, ranging from 2 to 4 centimeters in length. They have a slender body shape and a slightly flattened appearance. One distinctive feature of the genus is the translucent skin, particularly on their ventral surface, which allows the observation of internal organs including the heart and digestive system. This translucent feature has made them popular research subjects in various fields, such as developmental biology and physiology.
These frogs are primarily arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time in trees and vegetation. They are nocturnal creatures and have adapted to their environment by possessing large, rounded toe pads that aid in climbing. Their diet mainly consists of small arthropods and insects.
The name "hypopachus" is an amalgamation of the Greek words "hypo," which means under or below, and "pachus," which means thick or stout. This likely refers to the relatively slender appearance of these frogs compared to other species within the family.
Overall, the genus Hypopachus represents a fascinating group of small frogs with unique morphological features and ecological adaptations. Understanding their biology and behavior helps researchers gain insights into the diversity and evolution of amphibians in Neotropical regions.
