About Hyperolius horstockii (Schlegel, 1837)
Identification: Adult Hyperolius horstockii grow up to 40 mm in length. They have bright orange feet and can change their body color for camouflage. The dorsal surface of their body ranges from cream to brown, and sometimes has small black spots. A distinctive pale dorsolateral line runs from the snout along the flanks, with a dark-brown lateral band positioned below this pale line. A fine dark line usually separates the pale dorsolateral line from the dark-brown lateral band. The concealed surfaces of the limbs, webbing, and toe discs are orange to red. The ventral surface of the frog is creamy white with a slightly granular texture. The gular flap of males is a bright ochre color, and their pupils are horizontal. Tadpoles of this species grow to 40 mm in total length; they are brown, with darker longitudinal bands along their tails. Distribution and habitat: This species, commonly called the arum frog, occurs on the southern coastal plain of South Africa, ranging from Cape Town in the Western Cape to Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. Its natural habitats include Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, rivers, swamps, intermittent freshwater lakes, freshwater marshes, intermittent freshwater marshes, and ponds. It is frequently found resting at the base of arum lilies (Zantedeschia aethiopica), where it hunts pollinating insects. The species is classified as Least Concern, but some local populations are threatened by habitat loss caused by invasive alien vegetation and wildfire. Contrary to common belief, the species is not threatened by the collection and sale of arum lilies.
