An interesting little animal observed in our village

Annatjie Maree (U25) recently came across an interesting little animal in her garden called a Banded Rubber Frog (Phrynomantis bifasciatus). She promptly took the two pictures below. 

This interesting little frog is also known as the Red-banded Crevice Creeper because it seeks out any tight space or crevice in which it could tuck its tiny body to seek shelter for the day. And then it is also called the Fire Walking Frog due to its preference for walking, instead of hopping, to get where it needs to go.

Also known as the Red-banded Crevice Creeper

Not only is this little frog quite beautiful, it has also got some unique features that make it especially interesting. Its vivid coloration alerts predators that this is a poisonous frog. Although normal handling of this frog is generally safe for humans, one runs the risk of getting poisoned if one has an open cut or scratch on one’s hands. Symptoms of a poisoning include painful swelling, difficulty in breathing, headache, increased heart rate, and nausea lasting about 4 hours.

Another special aspect of this frog is its crazy tongue. It can shoot out in an arc greater than 200 degrees, which means that it’s able to catch prey that’s to the side of its head or even slightly behind it!

It is also called the Fire Walking Frog due to its preference for walking, instead of hopping, to get where it needs to go.

Now, the last cool feature of the Banded Rubber Frog is its singing voice! It almost sounds like a bird, rather than a frog! To listen to its call, click HERE and scroll down.

(Adapted from https://featuredcreature.com/banded-rubber-frogs-are-quite-the-interesting-amphibians/)