Delicate leaf-folding frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Delicate leaf-folding frog |
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The Afrixalus delicatus, also called the delicate leaf-folding frog, is a small frog. It lives in parts of Southern and Eastern Africa. You can find it from eastern South Africa and Eswatini up through Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, and southern Somalia. This frog belongs to the Hyperoliidae family, which are often called "reed frogs."
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About This Frog's Name
Every animal has a scientific name. This helps scientists around the world know exactly which animal they are talking about. The Afrixalus delicatus was first described in 1984. A scientist named Martin Pickersgill gave it this name.
What Does This Frog Look Like?
These frogs are quite small. Adult males are about 1.5 to 2 centimeters long. Females are a bit bigger, around 1.7 to 2.2 centimeters long. That's about the size of your thumbnail!
Their back is light brown or gold. It often has a shiny, brassy look. You might see faint brown spots on their back. They also have a clear line along their side. This line can change color. It might be reddish-brown or almost black. The color depends on things like temperature and how much light or moisture is around.
Their lower legs, called tibias, are yellow. They have a stripe across them. The frog's belly is white. The throat area is orange-yellow. Hidden parts of their legs are yellowish too. Most of their body feels a bit bumpy. This is because it's covered in tiny rough spots.
Frog Calls
Male Afrixalus delicatus frogs make special sounds. These calls help them find a mate. One type of call is a high-pitched rattling sound. It's made of many quick clicks. Another call is a loud, high-pitched buzzing sound. It sounds like a "zick" that goes up in pitch. This buzzing sound is usually the one they use to attract females.
Where Do These Frogs Live?
Afrixalus delicatus frogs live in many different places. They like coastal areas and open grasslands. You can also find them in forests and thick bushes. They even live in places changed by humans, like farms. They usually live in areas up to 500 meters above sea level.
Frog Nests
These frogs breed in plants that grow near water. They often choose the edges of ponds or slow-moving water. They love plants with long leaves. They can fold these leaves to make a special nest. This nest hangs over the water. During the day, they might hide inside the leaves of plants like rum lilies.
Protecting the Delicate Leaf-Folding Frog
In the northern parts of its home, this frog is very common. You can find many of them breeding together. But in the far south, they are not as common. Their numbers have gone down there.
The biggest threats to these frogs are their breeding spots drying up. This can happen because of sugar cane farming. Also, cities are growing, which takes away their habitat. The spread of eucalyptus trees can also cause problems. Sometimes, chemicals used to control mosquitoes can harm them too.
The good news is that Afrixalus delicatus lives in many protected areas. These areas help keep their homes safe.
