Hyperolius guttulatus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hyperolius guttulatus |
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Hyperolius reticulatus Günther, 1865 "1864" |
The Hyperolius guttulatus is a type of frog that belongs to the Hyperoliidae family. People often call it the dotted reed frog. This frog lives in parts of Western and Middle Africa. You can find it from Sierra Leone in the west all the way to Gabon in the east and south.
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Where Does the Dotted Reed Frog Live?
This special frog is found in many countries across Africa. From west to east, you can see it in Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Nigeria, Cameroon, and western Gabon. It might also live in mainland Equatorial Guinea. However, it seems to be missing from Benin.
What Does the Dotted Reed Frog Look Like?
The dotted reed frog is quite large for its kind. Male frogs are about 2.7 to 3.5 centimeters long. Female frogs are a bit bigger, measuring 2.9 to 3.7 centimeters. Their bodies are wide and flat. They have a clear dark stripe near their eyes. Their pupils (the dark part of their eyes) are shaped like a line. Male frogs also have a large flap of skin under their chin.
These frogs can have two different color patterns:
Color Phase "J" (Juvenile)
- All young frogs and many adult males show this color.
- Their backs are a dull bluish to yellowish-green.
- Their bellies are greenish-yellow.
- They have a light stripe above the dark stripe near their eyes.
- Sometimes, they have faint dark spots.
- A line on their back might have a black border.
Color Phase "F" (Adult)
- All female frogs and some male frogs change to this color. This happens before they start breeding.
- Their backs are dark brown to reddish.
- They have round or oval orange spots.
- Their bellies are grayish-white.
- The spots can be large or very small and many.
- Some frogs from Cameroon have a plain brown or reddish back. They might have black dots on their sides and belly.
Frog Calls
Male frogs make a special sound to attract females. It's a quick series of clear, low-pitched notes. These calls sound soft and musical.
Home and Safety of the Dotted Reed Frog
The dotted reed frog lives in and around large swamps. These swamps are usually in areas where forests have grown back. In West Africa, they often live where forests meet grassy plains. They do not live in forests that have never been touched by humans.
These frogs breed in very large ponds that usually have water all year. Male frogs call from bushes several meters above the ground.
You might find many of these frogs in one spot, but their homes are spread out. They are at risk because their homes are disappearing. This is especially true for their breeding ponds. Luckily, they live in some protected places. These include the Ankasa Conservation Area and Kakum National Park in Ghana.
