Hyperolius argus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hyperolius argus |
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Hyperolius flavoviridis Peters, 1854 |
Hyperolius argus, also known as the Argus reed frog or Argus sedge frog, is a type of frog found along the eastern coast of Africa. You can find them in countries like Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. These small frogs are part of the hyperolid family.
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What Does the Argus Reed Frog Look Like?
Argus reed frogs have different colors depending on if they are male or female. This is called sexual dichromatism. Adult males are usually green. Females are typically reddish-brown and have large white spots. Their colors and patterns can also change a bit depending on where they live.
When these frogs are young, after they change from tadpoles, both males and females are solid green. They don't have any spots yet. It takes about two months for a young female frog to get her reddish-brown color and spots. For a male frog, it takes about three months to develop his vocal sacs and start calling.
How Argus Reed Frogs Reproduce
Female Argus reed frogs lay their eggs on plants that are under the water. They might do this if the water level rises. A female can lay around 200 eggs in total. She lays them in small groups, with about 30 eggs in each cluster.
Where Do Argus Reed Frogs Live?
The Argus reed frog is a common species. It lives near water in dense, humid savannas and grasslands that are not very high up. They breed in shallow, temporary water areas. These include vegetated pans, vleis (wetlands), and marshes.
Even though this frog species is common, it faces some challenges. Its home is affected by cities growing larger and more intense farming. Also, new species like bass fish can be a problem for them.
Gallery
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Female reed frogs of different patterns
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Male reed frog
