Sedge and bush frog
Sedge and bush frogs are medium-sized amphibians commonly found in reeds, bushes, trees, and shrubs near waterways across much of Africa. With over 200 species classified into 19 genera, these frogs exhibit a diverse range of colors, including red, yellow, orange, black, and white, and typically measure between 1/2 to 3 inches (1.5 to 8 centimeters) in length. They are characterized by their long hind legs, which are adapted for leaping, and their ability to change color in response to temperature and humidity. Most species are arboreal, residing in trees, while those in the genus Kassina are terrestrial, exhibiting unique running instead of hopping behavior.
Sedge and bush frogs are carnivorous, primarily feeding on insects and small invertebrates, and face predation from snakes, birds, and mammals. Their reproductive strategies vary; female sedge frogs lay eggs on leaves over water, while bush frogs bury their eggs in wet ground, with tadpoles migrating to water during heavy rains. The life span of these frogs typically ranges from 1 to 4 years, highlighting their adaptability in diverse environments. Overall, sedge and bush frogs play a significant role in their ecosystems, contributing to the biodiversity of African amphibians.
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Sedge and bush frog
Sedge and bush frogs are medium-sized frogs found in the reeds, bushes, trees, and shrubs near waterways in and around most of Africa. More than 200 sedge and bush frog species are organized in 19 genera. They may be red, yellow, orange, black, or white.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Hyperoliidae
Genus: Various (see below)
Species: Various (see below)
Sedge and bush frogs grow between 1/2 and 3 inches (1 1/2 and 8 centimeters) long. All sedge and bush frogs have distinct red, yellow, orange, black, or white markings. Like other frogs, sedge and bush frogs have long hind legs and shorter front legs. Their hind legs are bent and folded under their bodies. This construction helps them leap and jump. The sedge frogs' colors often change with temperature and humidity, or the amount of water in the air. Like other amphibians, sedge and bush frogs are cold-blooded. This means their body temperatures tend to adopt the temperature of their surroundings.
Sedge and bush frogs are found in the trees, shrubs, bushes, and reeds near waterways in southern Africa, Madagascar, and the islands of the Seychelles. Most frogs in this family are arboreal, or tree-dwelling, frogs, but members of the genus Kassina are terrestrial, or ground-dwelling. Members of the genus Kassina also run instead of hop.
Like other frogs and toads, sedge and bush frogs are carnivorous, or meat-eating. They survive on a diet of insects and other small invertebrates, or spineless creatures. Snakes, birds, and mammals sometimes prey on sedge and bush frogs.
The mating season for sedge and bush frogs is not known. Female sedge frogs lay eggs in jelly-like masses on leaves hanging over waterways. The young hatch from the eggs and slide down the leaves into the water. They grow from young tadpoles with tails into fully developed sedge frogs with four limbs. This process of change is called metamorphosis.
Bush frogs have a different process of reproduction. They burrow their eggs in wet ground near water. The tadpoles hatch out of their eggs during heavy rains and migrate to the water by wiggling across the damp ground. In the water, these tadpoles experience metamorphosis just like the sedge frogs.
The life span of sedge and bush frogs is likely 1 to 4 years.
Species include:
African painted frog Callixalus pictus
African wart frog Acanthixalus spinosus
Argus reed frog Hyperolius argus
Boettger's reed frog Heterixalus boettgeri
Congo frog Congolius robustus
Golden banana frog Afrixalus aureus
Gray-eyed frog Opisthothylax immaculatus
Ivory Coast running frog Kassina arboricola
Mebebque frog Arlequinus krebsi
Seychelles treefrog Tachycnemis seychellensis
Weale's running frog Semnodactylus wealii
Bibliography
Heying, Heather. "Hyperoliidae." Animal Diversity Web, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Hyperoliidae. Accessed 1 May 2024.
"Hyperoliidae - African Reed Frogs." PBS, nhpbs.org/wild/Hyperoliidae.asp. Accessed 1 May 2024.