FAMILY PYXICEPHALIDAE – African Common Frogs

Amieta delalandii

Tomopterna natalensis

Amieta delalandii, Common River Frog (Gewone rivierpadda)

The River frogs are extremely difficult to photograph. You only have to breath for them to jump a few meters away with those powerful legs.

Very large tympanum*.

Tomopterna natalensis, Natal Sand Frog (Natalse sandpadda)

This species is very variable in colour. The skin on the back may be smooth or slightly granular.

Tympanum* partially obscured to distinct

My cats find the Natal Sand Frog quite a delicatessen. They would not touch any other frog, but these are eaten without leaving anything behind.

Key identification points include include:
A. Continuous glandular ridge above the tympanum from the eye to the base of the arm
B. Dorsum with a pair of skin elevations in the middle of the back

I have only managed to make a sound clip of the Natal Sand Frog. They stop calling long before I am close.

Amplexus*

Amplexus*

TERMINOLOGY:

Amplexus is a term used to define mating in frogs. It is a reproductive position used by frogs to replicate externally. The male frog will clasp the female from the back, stimulating the release of eggs. After the egg has been released, the male frog fertilizes each egg with the sperm cells.

Tympanum: The tympanic membrane is a thin membrane that separates the frog’s outer and inner ear. It is located behind the eyes. It allows it to hear both in the air and below the water.

Please contact me should you find a species that I have misidentified.

For more information:

1. Frogs Of Southern Africa, A Complete Guide, Louis du Preez & Vincent Carruthers. Struik Nature 2017