Fun Banded Rubber Frog Facts For Kids
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One of the toxic species of the Microhylidae, the banded rubber frog (Phrynomantis bifasciatus), also known as a climbing and walking frog, is found in southern Africa. This species generally dwells in water sources, savanna, tropical or subtropical shrubland, and grassland of South Africa. The species is also known as the red-banded rubber frog.
While talking about the range, the species occurs from the Democratic Republic of Congo, eastern Somalia, south through eastern Africa to northeastern South Africa. In the west, the species is found in northern Botswana and Namibia to Angola. The species has also been recorded in Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Mozambique.
The red-banded rubber frog (Phrynomantis bifasciatus) is generally black and has smooth, rubbery skin and the underside is gray and has white spots. The pear-shaped body becomes quite narrow towards the head. Arms and legs possess reddish spots and the toes have small pads.
Unlike females, males have dark throats. The skin generally releases a substance that is used to ward off predators. The average length of this species is around 1.8-2.7 in (45-68 mm).
The International Union for Conservation of Nature listed the species as Least Concern. It has no threats apart from predation as of now.
Let's read more interesting facts about the banded rubber frog, and if you find this article fun, don't forget to check out exciting facts about different animals like the leopard frog and poison dart frog.
Banded Rubber Frog Interesting Facts
What type of animal is a banded rubber frog?
The banded rubber frog (Phrynomantis bifasciatus) is one of the toxic frog species of South Africa that occurs from the Democratic Republic of Congo, eastern Somalia, south through eastern Africa to northeastern South Africa. In the west, the species is found in northern Botswana and Namibia to Angola.
The species has also been recorded in Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Mozambique.
The species generally dwells in savanna, tropical or subtropical shrubland, and grassland of South Africa. The species is also known as the red-banded rubber frog.
What class of animal does a banded rubber frog belong to?
The red-banded rubber frog (Phrynomantis bifasciatus) belongs to the class of Amphibia, the family of Microhylidaem, and the Phrynomantis genus.
How many banded rubber frogs are there in the world?
The exact population of red-banded rubber frogs (Phrynomantis bifasciatus) is not known as of now but is widely distributed in different parts of southern Africa. Also, the species is listed in the Least Concern category in the IUCN Red List.
Where does a banded rubber frog live?
While talking about the range, the banded rubber frog (Phrynomantis bifasciatus) occurs from the Democratic Republic of Congo, eastern Somalia, south through eastern Africa to northeastern South Africa. In the west, the species is found in northern Botswana and Namibia to Angola. The species has also been recorded in Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Mozambique.
What is a banded rubber frog's habitat?
The red-banded rubber frog (Phrynomantis bifasciatus) generally dwells in the savanna, tropical or subtropical shrubland, and grassland of South Africa. These amphibians generally dig burrows and spend most of their time underground.
Who do banded rubber frogs live with?
Very little is known about the behavior of red-banded rubber frogs (P. bifasciatus) as of now but unlike others, it is said that these frogs are not solitary as they often live with other frogs, lizards, and scorpions. During the breeding season, they come together.
How long does a banded rubber frog live?
The average life expectancy of red-banded rubber frogs (scientific name: P. bifasciatus) is around 10 years but like other South African frogs, they can live longeer in captivity.
How do they reproduce?
The breeding season in southern Africa generally occurs during the rainy season. Male frogs generally move into puddles and small pools. They also perform several courtship displays to attract female frogs, the prominent among those are their calls.
The call is a vibratory sound that lasts for several seconds. Females lay around 300-1,500 eggs that get dropped into the water and stick to underwater plants. Tadpoles generally float in the water and in about a month, their size increases by 1 in (3 cm).
What is their conservation status?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature listed these South African frogs as Least Concern. Also, this frog has no threats apart from predation as of now, and because of its amazing traits, this species is well known in the pet trade.
The population status seems to be stable currently as one can find them in different South African nations.
Banded Rubber Frog Fun Facts
What do banded rubber frogs look like?
The red-banded rubber frog (Phrynomantis bifasciatus) is generally black and has smooth and rubbery skin. The underside is gray and has white spots. The pear-shaped body becomes quite narrow towards the head. Arms and legs possess reddish spots, and the toes have small pads.
How cute are they?
The striking coloration and appearance of these southern African frogs attract everyone. Instead of hopping, these are very rare frogs who are known for walking. Unlike other frogs, red-banded rubber frogs love to live around other animals such as lizards and scorpions.
How do they communicate?
Like other frogs, these frogs use similar methods to communicate with each other. Male frogs are quite vocals and use several calls that are vibratory sounds that last for several seconds during the breeding season to attract females. Also, these frogs also protect by releasing a substance from their skin to ward off predators.
How big is a banded rubber frog?
The average length of this species is around 1.8-2.7 in (45-68 mm). The species is twice the size of Barton Springs salamander, while some of these frogs are bigger than a dwarf salamander.
How fast can a banded rubber frog move?
The exact speed of banded rubber frogs is not known as of now, but these frogs become quite agile while feeding in the grassland or avoiding predation.
How much does a banded rubber frog weigh?
The exact weight of banded rubber frogs is not known as of now.
What are the male and female names of the species?
There are no specific names given to male and female frogs. People generally refer to them as banded rubber or red-banded rubber frogs. Males can reach a maximum length of 2.7 in (68 mm), while females are around 2.55 in (65 mm) long.
What would you call a baby banded rubber frog?
No particular names are used to refer to the babies of banded rubber frogs. People generally refer to them as young or juvenile frogs.
What do they eat?
Red-banded rubber frogs are carnivores and generally prey on ants, termites, and tiny organisms. These frogs are preyed upon by African rock pythons and boomslangs.
Are they poisonous?
Red-banded rubber frogs are highly poisonous to humans and other frogs as their skin possesses a toxic substance. It is always advised not to harm or provoke these frogs as absorption of the toxin could make the human body very vulnerable. It can cause extreme pain, swelling, nausea, headache, and many other problems.
Would they make a good pet?
This frog is kept in captivity but kids should not handle these frogs.
Did you know...
To identify this frog, one needs to keep in mind that the species is generally black and has smooth and rubbery skin, and the underside is gray and has white spots. The pear-shaped body becomes quite narrow towards the head. Arms and legs possess reddish spots and the toes have small pads. Unlike females, males have dark throats.
How did banded rubber frogs get their name?
The species possesses red-colored stripes throughout its rubber-like body. These physical features justify the names, red-banded rubber frog and banded rubber frog.
Are banded rubber frogs Endangered?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature listed these South African frogs as Least Concern. Also, it has no threats apart from predation as of now, and because of its amazing traits, the species is well known in the pet trade.
The population status seems to be stable as one can find them in different South African nations, meaning not many conservation efforts are needed at the moment.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other amphibians from our red-eyed tree frog facts and Pacman frog facts pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Banded rubber frog coloring pages.
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