Red-legged running frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Red-legged running frog |
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The Red-legged running frog (scientific name: Phlyctimantis maculatus) is a special type of frog that belongs to the family Hyperoliidae. These frogs are known for their unique look: they are usually silvery greyish-brown with dark spots. Their most striking feature is the bright red color found on the underside of their back legs, which is how they got their name!
Adult Red-legged running frogs typically grow to be about 6 to 7.5 centimeters long. They also have interesting vertical pupils in their eyes. Besides "Red-legged running frog," they are also called by other names like "brown-spotted tree frog," "red-legged Kassina," and "tiger leg running frog."
Where Red-legged Running Frogs Live
The Red-legged running frog is found only in the warm, tropical, and subtropical parts of Africa's east coast. You can find them in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Eswatini.
These frogs are quite adaptable! They can live in many different places, including areas with shrubs, grasslands, savannas, and forests. The most important thing for them is to have a good supply of fresh water or very humid air. They can even be found near swamps, lakes, and ponds. They also live in places like farms, gardens, and even areas where forests used to be.
How Red-legged Running Frogs Behave
Red-legged running frogs are mostly active at night, which means they are nocturnal. During the day, they like to hide by burrowing under loose soil or staying hidden in thick plants. This makes them a bit hard for humans to spot!
When night comes, they become active. They enjoy climbing trees and tall shrubs to find their food. Their diet mainly consists of insects and their larvae. One of the most interesting things about these frogs is how they move. Instead of hopping like most frogs, they often prefer a unique "walking" style using their back legs.
Keeping Red-legged Running Frogs as Pets
While Red-legged running frogs can be kept as pets, they are not as common as some other frog species. This is because they are nocturnal and need a very moist environment. It's recommended to keep their living space at about 80% humidity.
However, these frogs are quite tough and can do well if they have the right basic care. They don't need special UV light. The temperature in their enclosure should be kept between 22 to 25 degrees Celsius (72 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). It's a good idea to have both a thermometer and a hygrometer to check the temperature and humidity.
For their bedding, you can use moss or coconut fiber, as they like to burrow. Make sure to have both wet and dry areas in their tank. A clean bowl of fresh water is also a must. You should mist the wet side of their tank with fresh water twice a day. Adding real or fake plants will give them places to climb. For food, they enjoy live crickets, mealworms, or flies. The size of the food should be no wider than the space between the frog's eyes.
