Moriaogaeru : Japan Nature Conservation Series X

Animal Japan

July 20, 1976

A postage stamp on the Nature Conservation Series “Forest Green Tree Frog” :

Issued by Japan

Issued on Jul 20, 1976

Issued for : As the tenth in the Nature Conservation Series a 50 yen postage stamp will be issued depicting “Moriaogaeru” (arboreal green frog).

Colour : Multicolour

Type : Stamp, Postal Used

Denomination : 50 Yen

Printing Process : Photogravure & Engraved

Perforation : 13

About :

Moriaogaeru (Rhacophorus arboreus) is a species peculiar to Japan found in the mountainous region. Its distribution extends over the districts of Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu and as far north as the marshy region in Mt. Hakkoda, Aomori Prefecture. In the breeding season, gathering around the ponds and swamps it clambers up the trees and the plants by the water’s edge to lay a lump of foamy eggs on the leaves overhanging the water. When hatched the larvae drop straight into the water just below and grow up. Moriaogaeru is famous for this mode of life. The back of its body is green or dark green and in some instances bears the irregular red brown speckles. The belly is gray or yellowish light gray and occasionally the irregular dark brown spots are found scattered on it. The male frog measures 50-70mm long while the female frog 60-90mm long. Being the breeding places of the Moriaogaeru, Matsukawa in Iwate Prefecture and Hebusunuma in Fukushima Prefecture are designated as natural monuments.