Hyperolius pseudargus | |
---|---|
Scientific classification
![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Amphibia |
Order: | Anura |
Family: | Hyperoliidae |
Genus: | Hyperolius |
Species: | H. pseudargus
|
Binomial name | |
Hyperolius pseudargus
Schiøtz and Westergaard, 1999
|
Hyperolius pseudargus, also known as the Mette's reed frog, [2] [3] is a species of frogs in the family Hyperoliidae. [1] [2] [4] [3] It is endemic to south-central Tanzania and occurs in the Udzungwa Mountains and south to Njombe in the Southern Highlands. [1] [2] Male Hyperolius pseudargus greatly resemble Hyperolius argus but have less webbing between the toes and the male advertisement call is different. [5] The vernacular name refers to Mette Westergaard, Danish biologist who collected the holotype and is the junior describer of this species. [6]
Males measure 31–35 mm (1.2–1.4 in) in snout–vent length. The body and head are broad and flat. The eyes are not very protruding. Webbing between the toes is reduced. [5] The dorsum is green with narrow yellow canthal and dorsolateral stripes, although these may sometimes be indistinct; small yellow dots are usually present. The upper eyelid is yellow or slightly reddish. The ventrum is yellow. The toes and fingers are yellow-green. [3] Males have a large vocal sac that is bluish when calling, yellow green otherwise. [5]
The male advertisement call is a fast series of very loud, harsh clicks, emitted in a somewhat accelerating rhythm. [4] [3]
Hyperolius pseudargus inhabits open farmland, heavily degraded former forests (farm bush), and montane grasslands at elevations of 1,500–1,850 m (4,920–6,070 ft) above sea level. Breeding takes place in small pools and males call from sedges near water and from floating vegetation. [1]
This species is common. Although its range is small, it is adaptable and is not facing significant threats. It might occur in the Udzungwa Mountains National Park. [1]