Breviceps mossambicus Peters, 1854

Species Introduction

The Mozambique rain frog (Breviceps mossambicus Peters, 1854) is a sturdy, stout frog with short legs and a blunt snout.

Female Size

Females reach a snout-to-vent length of roughly 52 millimetres (2.0 in).

Dorsal Coloration

Its dorsal surface is greyish-brown, speckled with darker coloration.

Facial Markings

A dark streak connects the eye and the front leg, running over the tympanum.

Ventral Coloration

The belly is white with dark blotches, and breeding males have a brown-colored throat.

Foot Morphology

The frog's feet are unwebbed, and its outer two toes are much smaller than the other toes on each foot.

Similar Species to Callulina kreffti

This species can be misidentified as Callulina kreffti, though C. kreffti is more arboreal and has square-ended toepads that help it climb trees.

Similar Species to Breviceps fichus

Breviceps fichus is very similar in appearance to the Mozambique rain frog, but the advertisement calls of the two species differ significantly.

General Distribution

The Mozambique rain frog has a widespread distribution across central and southern Africa.

Range Extent

Its range extends from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania in the north to the Republic of South Africa in the south.

Natural Habitats

Its natural habitats are savanna, bushy terrain, and open woodland, particularly the moister sections of these landscapes.

Elevation Range

It occurs in lowlands and on the lower slopes of mountainous regions, up to an elevation of 1,800 metres (5,900 ft) above sea level.

Habitat Adaptability

It is an adaptable species that appears able to tolerate habitat degradation.