Practical 2 - Amphibians

What is this

African Clawed Frog

Family Pipidae

Xenopus laevis

Claws on inner 3 toes; circular pupils

What is this

Ghost Frog

Family Heleophrynidae

Heleophryne

Spatulate disc on fingers and toes; webbing on feet

What is this

Rubber Frog

Family Microhylidae

Phrynomantis bifasciatus

Aposematic colouration, prefers walking and burrows backwards

What is this

Shovel-nosed frog

Family Hemisotidae

Hemisus

Chisel-shaped snout

What is this

Puddle Frog

Family Phrynobatrachidae

Phrynobatrachus

Mid-tarsal tubercle

What is this

Grass Frog

Family Ptychadenidae

Ptychadena

6 continuous dorsal ridges

What is this

Squeaker

Family Arthroleptidae

Arthroleptis

Third finger elongated with no webbing on toes or fingers

What is this

Tree frog

Family Arthroleptidae

Leptopelis

Terminal discs on fingers and toes with no webbing

What is this

Leaf- folding frog

Family Hyperoliidae

Afrixalus knysnae

Vertical pupil

What is this

Reed frog

Family Hyperoliidae

Hyperolius marmoratus

Horizontal eyes, extensive webbing on toes

What is this

Reed Frog

Family Hyperoliidae

Kassina

Bullet-shaped body with rounded snout; walks instead of hopping

What is this

Phyloctimantis

Armpit bright red, therefore used for exotic pet trade

What is this

Rain frogs

Family Breviceptidae

Breviceps

Inner and outer toes very short; Globose-bodied

What is this

Southern foam nest frog

Family Rhacophoridae

Chiromantis xerampelina

Skin ridges between eye and arm; lay eggs in foam

What is this

Small frogs

Family Pyxicephalidae

Cacosternum

No webbing on digits; white underside

What is this

River frogs

Family Pyxicephalidae

Amietia

Pointed snout, long legs, extensive webbing between toes

What is this

Bullfrog

Family Pyxicephalidae

Pyxicephalus

Massive inner metatarsal tubercle for digging

What is this

Sand frogs

Family Pyxicephalidae

Tomopterna

Toad-like appearance; metatarsal tubercle for digging

What is this

Moss frog

Family Pyxicephalidae

Arthroleptella

Resemble cacosternum but direct developers; digits lack webbing; eggs laid under moss/leaf litter

What is this

Eastern moss frog

Family Pyxicephalidae

Anhydrophryne

Digits lack webbing, direct developers

What is this

Western leopard toad and Guttural toad

Family Bufonidae

Sclerophrys

Skin rough with wart-like elevations; symmetrical dorsal patterns

What is this

Red toad

Family Bufonidae

Schismaderma carens

2 dark spots; no paratiod gland

What is this

Pygmy toads

Family Bufonidae

Poyntonophrynus

Small and flattened, inconspicuous paratiod glands

Major threats against frogs

• habitat loss

• Chemical production

• Over-exploitation - exotic pet trade and delicacy

• Climate change

• UV-B radiation

List what is missing

A - urostyle

B- Vertebra

C - Carpal

D - Metacarpal

E - Tarsals

F - Metatarsal

List the orders of class amphibia and one characteristic

1. Anura - lacks tail

2. Caudata - well-developed tail

3. Gymnophiona - legless and elongated

Characteristics of a frog

• thin, wet, smooth skin that has more colour

• Slim body type

• Lays eggs in clusters

• Very long legs

• Lives in water

• Prefers to jump

Characteristics of toads

• thick, dry skin with bumps and usually brown

• Stout body type

• Lays eggs in a chain

• Short legs Lives

• Lives on land

• Prefers to walk or use small hops

Main characteristics used to identify adult frogs

• shape of pupil

• Presence/ absence of flanged digger tubercle on each foot

• Length of legs relative to body

• Extent of webbing between toes