Natal ghost frog
A species of Hadromophryne Scientific name : Hadromophryne natalensis Genus : Hadromophryne
Natal ghost frog, A species of Hadromophryne
Scientific name: Hadromophryne natalensis
Genus: Hadromophryne
Content
Description General Info
Photo By magdastlucia , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The Natal ghost frog (Hadromophryne natalensis) is a species of frog in the Heleophrynidae family. It is the only species in the Hadromophryne genus.
General Info
Lifespan
10-15 years
Diet
The diet of natal ghost frog primarily consists of a variety of small invertebrates. This species is notably an opportunistic predator, exhibiting a preference for ants, termites, and small coleopterans, which are essential for its nutrition and survival.
Appearance
Natal ghost frog is a tiny, elusive frog species with a robust, round body. Its skin is often warty, usually displaying colors ranging from light brown to dark chocolate, often carrying darker speckles or patches. The belly of the animal boasts a cream hue. Key features include its relatively short limbs and rounded snout, as well as distinctive, horizontally slit pupils. Both males and females share similar appearances.
Behavior
Natal ghost frog exhibits primarily nocturnal habits, emerging post sunset to hunt for invertebrates. This species demonstrates a solitary lifestyle outside the breeding season. Intra-sexual competition for mates is observed in males, indicating territorial behavior. Adapted to a forest habitat, natal ghost frog uses cryptic coloring as a survival mechanism against predators.
Photo By magdastlucia , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Frogs and toads Family
Ghost frogs Genus
Hadromophryne Species
Natal ghost frog