leaf nesting shrub frogs

As the best examples of frogs that are evolutionarily similar to each other but became different species due to specialization in geographically separated areas, Pseudophilautus femoralis / Leaf nesting shrub frog - Central hills Pseudophilautus mooreorum / Moore's Shriub frog - Knuckles mountains Pseudophilautus poppiae / Poppy's Shrub frog - Rakwana mountains trio can be pointed out. This is called as Allopatric speciation. Although many of the external characteristics are similar to each other, the results of the DNA analysis are different. All these 3 species are restricted to high mountain cloud forests.

Pseudophilautus femoralis can be found in Horton plains, Kikiliyamana, Nuwaraeliya, Peak wilderness sanctuary in central hills, Pseudophilautus mooreorum in Ruverston, 5 peaks in Knuckles hills and Pseudophilautus poppiae in Gongala, Morning side in Rakwana Hills. 5 million years ago a common ancestor of these species lived in Central hills and later migrated to Rakwana and knuckles areas and much later became 3 different species. All 3 species lay their eggs at the tip of a plant leaf as shown in the photo below. Eggs hatch directly into froglets without the tadpole stage. Actually all shrub frogs hatches directly into froglets.

These frogs can be seen in a beautiful luminous green color on leaves, shrubs and branches when it comes out at night when there are suitable conditions.