About Ranoidea brevipes (Peters, 1871)
The short-footed frog, Ranoidea brevipes, is a small, rotund frog with a comparatively large head and large eyes. Its dorsal surface ranges in color from dull brown to sandy yellow, and has large dark blotches. The ventral surface is white with dark markings. Most individuals have a silvery brown stripe running along the center of the back. A dark band stretches from the front of the snout, through the eyes and tympanum, and ends at the shoulder. The tympanum is visible; the frog's fingers are unwebbed, and its toes are partially webbed. This species inhabits dry forest and grassland, where it burrows underground for most of the year. When it rains, the frogs emerge from their burrows and gather around flooded clay pans. Males call from the water's edge, producing a drawn-out growl. Eggs are laid in large clumps in the water. Tadpoles develop quickly in warm water to avoid metamorphosing before the water dries up.
