Hylarana tytleri — Theobald's (yellow-striped) ranid frog

Identification and physical characteristics

This is a medium-sized frog with a streamlined body adapted for jumping and swimming. Individuals often show a lighter, sometimes yellowish stripe or band along the flank, which gives rise to the informal name "yellow-striped". Its skin texture, limb proportions and webbing of the hind feet are typical of puddle- and pond-associated ranids. Coloration and patterning can be variable with habitat and age, so careful comparison with regional field keys is recommended for accurate identification.

Distribution and habitat

Hylarana tytleri occurs in eastern and northeastern India and across Bangladesh (Bangladesh) and southern Nepal (Nepal). Records suggest it may also be present at lower elevations in Bhutan (Bhutan). It occupies wetland edges, rice paddies, marshes, slow-moving streams and adjacent grassland or secondary forest, where standing or slow water provides breeding sites.

Ecology, behavior and reproduction

Primarily nocturnal, these frogs emerge at dusk to feed on invertebrates. Breeding generally takes place in still or slow waters during the rainy season; males call from vegetation or water margins to attract females and eggs are deposited as clutches or strings into aquatic vegetation. Tadpoles complete an aquatic larval stage before metamorphosis into froglets.

Conservation, threats and importance

Local populations can be affected by habitat loss, wetland drainage, water pollution and agricultural chemical runoff. Because it frequents human-modified wetlands such as paddy fields, it can persist in altered landscapes but still faces pressure where aquatic habitats are extensively degraded. Frogs like Hylarana tytleri are useful ecological indicators of freshwater health and contribute to insect control.

Taxonomic notes and further resources

• Family placement: Ranidae and related systematic work (taxonomic references).
• Species accounts and distribution data are available in regional checklists and amphibian databases (species pages, family overviews).
• Additional locality or ecological records may be reported in national surveys and conservation assessments (elevation and range notes).

For field identification consult up-to-date regional guides and photographic reference collections; for conservation status and management guidance refer to local authorities and comprehensive amphibian assessments (Nepal resources, Bangladesh resources, Bhutan notes).