Afrixalus laevis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Afrixalus laevis |
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The Afrixalus laevis is a small, smooth-skinned frog. It belongs to a group of frogs called the Hyperoliidae family, often known as "reed frogs." You can find this frog in several countries in Africa. These include southern Cameroon, northern Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It also lives on Bioko island in Equatorial Guinea. Scientists think it might also live in nearby countries. Some common names for this frog are the smooth spiny reed frog and the Liberian banana frog.
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About This Frog
What It Looks Like
These frogs are quite small. Adult male frogs are about 20 to 23 millimeters long. That's less than an inch! Adult female frogs are a bit bigger, around 23 to 25 millimeters long. This measurement is from their snout (nose) to their vent (bottom).
Their head is large, and their eyes stick out. The back of the frog's body is see-through. The front part of its back is yellowish with different brown patterns. Its legs are also transparent. There is a brown stripe that goes from its nose, past its eye, and continues behind it.
How Males Communicate
Male Afrixalus laevis frogs make a special sound to attract females. Their call is made of single "clacks." It sounds like a series of quick, sharp clicks.
Where It Lives and How We Protect It
Its Home
The Afrixalus laevis frog lives deep inside forests. It does not like open areas. Unlike many other frogs in its group, it does not lay its eggs in still water. Instead, it lays its eggs on a leaf near flowing water. The frog does not fold the leaf around the eggs.
Protecting This Frog
This frog is quite common in some parts of its home range. However, it cannot live in places where humans have changed the habitat. Its forest home is being destroyed in some areas. This happens because of farming, growing towns, and people collecting wood.
Luckily, the Afrixalus laevis frog lives in several protected areas. These areas help keep its forest home safe. This protection helps the frog survive and thrive.
