Boutry River Frog

general

Zimkus et al. (2010) identified two populations of P. calcaratus (A and B), and additional analyses are needed to confirm the taxonomic status of these populations, specifically with respect to the relationship between P. calcaratus B and P. annulatus .

African Amphibians

general

The specific name calcaratus is derived from 'calcar' (Latin) meaning spur and refers to the prominent eyelid spine of this species.

African Amphibians

morphology

This small species has moderately warty skin. The average index head width / SVL is 0.31 ± 0.04 (N = 16). A prominent eyelid spine is present. The tympanum is very small and barely discernible. A distinct supratympanal fold is present. Tips of fingers and toes are not enlarged into discs. Manual webbing is absent, and only rudimentary pedal webbing is present on the feet with 3-4 phalanges free of webbing on toe IV. A small inner metatarsal tubercle, an outer metatarsal tubercle, and a tarsal tubercle are present. Males have single subgular vocal sacs. The frogs are usually uniform olive to light brown, and warts may have darker borders. Some animals have a vertebral band starting behind the eyes that is almost invariably red with yellow or orange borders. A rarer morphotype includes frogs with a red transverse band on the back, and in some specimens, two bands form a cross on the back. The thighs either lack any pattern, or they bear 1–2 dark transverse bands. The posterior parts of the thighs never bear a light longitudinal line. A feebly marked black lateral stripe may be present on the flanks. Many animals have dark bars on the edges of their lower jaws. The vocal sac of the

African Amphibians

biology

Phrynobatrachus calcaratus is a small sized (snout–vent length Phrynobatrachus calcaratus exhibits a prominent eyelid spine, rudimentary pedal webbing (3-4 phalanges free on digit IV), barely discernible tympanum but a distinct supratympanal fold. Males have a dark violet to black throat, while females bear some marginal dark spots.

African Amphibians