Long-nosed reed frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Long-nosed reed frog |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Hyperolius
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| Species: |
nasutus
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| Synonyms | |
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Hyperolius nasutus is a small frog from Africa. It's often called the long-nosed reed frog because of its pointy snout. You might also hear it called the sharp-nosed reed frog or long reed frog.
This frog lives in parts of southern Africa, including northern Angola and northern Botswana. It's likely found in other nearby countries like Namibia too. Scientists once thought this was just one type of frog. But now they know there are actually three very similar species that look almost identical! All these frogs belong to a group called the "long reed frogs."
What Does It Look Like?
An adult male long-nosed reed frog is quite small. It measures about 17 mm (0.67 in) long, which is less than an inch! It has a rounded snout and a long, thin body.
Its skin is light green and almost see-through on its back. Its legs are also green. The sides of its snout and the area above its eyes are a reddish-brown color. You can see small and large dark spots all over its back. It also has a stripe that runs along each side of its body. The frog's eyes have reddish-brown irises.
This frog doesn't have an ear drum that you can see from the outside. Its fingers and toes are webbed. They also have broad, rounded pads that help them grip surfaces.
Male Calls
Male long-nosed reed frogs have a special throat pouch. This pouch is called a vocal sac. It's pale yellow and shaped like a triangle. They use this sac to make calls to attract mates. Their call sounds like a short "buzz." It lasts for only about 0.1 seconds.
Where Does It Live?
The long-nosed reed frog likes to live near water. You can find it at the edges of swamps, rivers, and lakes. It lives in savannas and grassy areas. This frog often hangs out on plants that grow in the water, like sedges. Sometimes, it can even be found near towns and villages.
Conservation Status
This frog is a common species. Scientists don't know of any major threats to it right now. It also lives in some protected areas, which helps keep it safe.
