About Ranoidea brevipes (Peters, 1871)
General Appearance
The short-footed frog, Ranoidea brevipes, is a small, rotund frog with a comparatively large head and large eyes.
Dorsal & Ventral Coloration
Its dorsal surface ranges in color from dull brown to sandy yellow, and has large dark blotches. The ventral surface is white with dark markings. Most individuals have a silvery brown stripe running along the center of the back.
Facial Markings & Limb Features
A dark band stretches from the front of the snout, through the eyes and tympanum, and ends at the shoulder. The tympanum is visible; the frog's fingers are unwebbed, and its toes are partially webbed.
Habitat & Burrowing Behavior
This species inhabits dry forest and grassland, where it burrows underground for most of the year.
Post-Rain Activity
When it rains, the frogs emerge from their burrows and gather around flooded clay pans.
Mating Call
Males call from the water's edge, producing a drawn-out growl.
Reproduction & Tadpole Development
Eggs are laid in large clumps in the water. Tadpoles develop quickly in warm water to avoid metamorphosing before the water dries up.
