Purcell's ghost frog
A species of Heleophryne Scientific name : Heleophryne purcelli Genus : Heleophryne
Purcell's ghost frog, A species of Heleophryne
Scientific name: Heleophryne purcelli
Genus: Heleophryne
Content
Description General Info
Photo By tonyrebelo , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The Purcell's ghost frog (Heleophryne purcelli) is a species of frog in the Heleophrynidae family. It is endemic to Western Cape Province, South Africa. Its natural habitat is fynbos heathland. Breeding takes place in perennial streams. Their tadpoles take two years to develop fully.
General Info
Lifespan
10-15 years
Diet
Purcell's ghost frog subsists primarily on insects. It employs an active foraging strategy, frequently eating a variety of small arthropods like spiders and beetles, demonstrating a preference for terrestrial prey.
Appearance
The purcell's ghost frog is a medium-sized frog with smooth, wet skin. It bears a distinct mottled pattern of dark brown and greenish hues, seamlessly blending into its surroundings. The frog's defining trait is its unusual, spade-like toes, specially adapted for burrowing. There are no substantial differences in appearance or coloration between sexes or in different life stages.
Behavior
The purcell's ghost frog is a nocturnal, predominantly solitary species, known for its unique mating behavior involving vocalization by females to attract mates. This amphibian also exhibits unique parental care, with adult females guarding their eggs. Its existence is largely terrestrial with little need for large water bodies. Interestingly, the purcell's ghost frog protects its territory by establishing burrows, a distinctive behavior among its kind.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Frogs and toads Family
Ghost frogs Genus
Heleophryne Species
Purcell's ghost frog 
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