Natal sand frog
A species of Sand frogs Scientific name : Tomopterna natalensis Genus : Sand frogs
Natal sand frog, A species of Sand frogs
Scientific name: Tomopterna natalensis
Genus: Sand frogs
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Bernard DUPONT , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The Natal sand frog (Tomopterna natalensis) is a species of frog in the Pyxicephalidae family. It is found in Mozambique, South Africa, and Swaziland, and possibly Botswana, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe. Its natural habitats are dry savanna, moist savanna, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, temperate grassland, subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland, subtropical or tropical high-altitude grassland, rivers, intermittent rivers, swamps, freshwater marshes, intermittent fr
General Info
Lifespan
5-10 years
Diet
Natal sand frog primarily subsists on a diet of insects. This amphibian showcases a preference for ants and termites, using its sticky and elongated tongue to catch them with precision.
Appearance
Natal sand frog is a medium-sized frog with a robust, compact body. Its skin is smooth and varies in color from pale yellowish-brown to dark brown, often showcasing irregular blotchy patterns. Notably, it possesses muscular hind legs ideal for burrowing, leading to the common name of ‘sand frog’. Distinct features include prominent, bulbous eyes and tympanic membranes. There are no marked differences in appearance due to age, gender, and subspecies.
Behavior
Natal sand frog exhibits a nocturnal lifestyle, spending its day burrowed into soil and coming out to feed at night. It communicates via distinct, loud calls mostly during the breeding season. Additionally, this species showcases significant territorial behavior, aggressively defending its residence against intruders. Its remarkable leaping agility aids in both hunting prey and dodging predators.
Photo By Bernard DUPONT , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Frogs and toads Family
African bullfrogs Genus
Sand frogs Species
Natal sand frog