Tomopterna delalandii (Tschudi, 1838)

Species Appearance Overview

Tomopterna delalandii is a robust species that has a toad-like appearance and gait.

Female Size

Females of this species can grow up to 50 mm (2.0 in) in snout–vent length.

Head and Limb Structure

It has a broad head, large bulging eyes, and relatively short legs.

Digit Morphology

There are no discs on the fingers or toes, but the toes have partial webbing.

Upper Body Coloration

The upper body shows variable colouration ranging from light grey to dark brown, and it usually has a mottled pattern along with a pale patch between the shoulders.

Body Stripe Patterns

A pale vertebral stripe is also usually present, and there is often a pale stripe on each side of the body.

Male Secondary Sexual Trait

Males have a dark throat.

Male Advertisement Call

The male advertisement call of this species is a sequence of short ringing notes, produced at a rate of around 6–8 notes per second.

Habitat Types

This species occurs in fynbos heath land and succulent karroo shrubland, and it can also inhabit agricultural land.

Breeding Habitat

Breeding occurs in both temporary and semi-permanent water bodies located in pans, pools, vleis and dams, situated in flat, sandy areas.

Conservation Abundance and Protected Areas

Tomopterna delalandii is a very abundant species that is found in multiple protected areas.

Local Threats

Locally, it can be threatened by habitat loss caused by the spread of alien vegetation, as well as agricultural and urban expansion.