Delalande's sand frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Delalande's sand frog |
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The Delalande's sand frog (Tomopterna delalandii) is a type of frog found only in South Africa. It is also known as the Delalande's frog, Cape sand frog, or striped pixie. This frog belongs to the Pyxicephalidae family.
You can find these frogs in the low-lying areas of western and southern South Africa. This includes places like Namaqualand, the Western Cape, and the Eastern Cape. They live as far east as Cape St. Francis.
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About the Name
Why is it called Delalande's sand frog?
The scientific name delalandii honors a French explorer named Pierre Antoine Delalande. He was a naturalist who collected animals and plants. He explored the Cape area in 1818.
What Does it Look Like?
Size and Shape
The Delalande's sand frog has a strong, sturdy body. It looks a bit like a toad and walks in a similar way. Female frogs can grow up to 50 millimeters (about 2 inches) long. This measurement is from their snout (nose) to their vent (tail end).
Head and Legs
These frogs have a wide head. Their eyes are large and stick out. Their legs are quite short. They do not have sticky pads on their fingers or toes. However, their toes have some webbing, which helps them move.
Color and Markings
The color of their upper body can change. It can be light gray to dark brown. Often, they have a mottled (spotty) look. You might see a pale patch between their shoulders. Many also have a light stripe down their back. Sometimes, there is a pale stripe on each side of their body too. Male frogs have a dark throat.
Their Call
Male Delalande's sand frogs make a special sound to attract mates. Their call is a series of short, ringing notes. They can make about 6 to 8 notes every second.
Where Do They Live?
Habitat and Breeding
These frogs live in different types of environments. They can be found in fynbos heathland, which is a type of shrubland. They also live in succulent karroo shrubland. Sometimes, they even live on farmland.
They breed in water. This includes temporary pools that dry up and semi-permanent water bodies. You can find them in pans, pools, small wetlands called vleis, and dams. They prefer flat, sandy areas for breeding.
Conservation Status
The Delalande's sand frog is a very common species. It lives in many protected areas. However, some local groups of these frogs can be in danger. This happens when their homes are lost. This can be due to new plants that are not native to the area. It can also happen because of farming and cities growing bigger.
