Hyperolius pusillus (Cope, 1862)

Common Name and Taxonomy

Hyperolius pusillus (Cope, 1862), commonly known as the waterlily reed frog or dwarf reed frog, is a species of frog in the family Hyperoliidae.

General Distribution and Habitat Range

It is a very common species found across eastern and southern Africa, where it occupies a range of different environments.

Specific Natural Habitats

Its natural habitats are open savanna, bush land, and grassland.

Breeding Habitat

Breeding occurs in shallow pans, vleis, open swamps, and dams that have floating vegetation like water lilies.

Similar Species

This species can resemble individuals of the larger Hyperolius argus, which is also native to eastern and southern Africa.

Confirmed Country Distribution

Confirmed populations of Hyperolius pusillus in eastern and southern Africa are found in southern Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe, northern Malawi, Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, Somalia, South Africa, and Tanzania.

Potential Extended Range

The species may also range into far western Kenya and parts of Uganda.

Population Color Variation

Different populations of this frog show distinct coloration patterns.

Male Breeding Call Behavior

For reproduction, male Hyperolius pusillus call from floating vegetation, which differs from Hyperolius viridis, whose males call from wet grassland.

Female Egg Laying

Females lay egg batches of 20 to 120 eggs at a time among floating plants.

Egg Characteristics

The eggs of this species are light green.

Tadpole Development and Coloration

Tadpoles are green when they first hatch, and develop into green-brown individuals with black tails as they grow.