Strongylopus fasciatus (Smith, 1849)

Body Shape and Head Features

Strongylopus fasciatus is a small frog with long legs and a pointed snout.

Dorsal and Leg Striping

Its key distinguishing features are parallel yellow and brown longitudinal stripes running along its back, plus dark longitudinal stripes along its legs.

Ventral Coloration

It has a white belly, and males of the species have yellow throats.

Pupil Characteristics

Its pupils are horizontal.

Toe Morphology

It also has very long toes; when crouched, the fourth toe on its rear feet extends past its front feet.

Core Distribution Range

This species occurs from South Africa's Western Cape Province, eastward through eastern South Africa to the borders of Lesotho and Eswatini, then north into Zimbabwe, western Mozambique, and south-western Zambia.

Unconfirmed Range

Its presence in Botswana has not yet been confirmed.

Highveld Distribution

In the Highveld of central South Africa, it is localized, but its range extends as far west as the eastern Free State.

General Habitat Requirements

Strongylopus fasciatus can be found in a variety of habitats ranging from grassland to forest, in areas that receive more than 500mm of annual rainfall, and it is rarely found far from permanent water.

Breeding Habitat

In the montane grasslands of South Africa, its preferred breeding habitat is grassy streamsides, reed beds along river margins, and vleis.

Human Disturbance Tolerance

It is tolerant of human disturbance, and can be found in irrigation canals, reservoirs, parks, and gardens.