About Scaphiophryne marmorata Boulenger, 1882
This species, the green burrowing frog, has scientific name Scaphiophryne marmorata Boulenger, 1882. Females grow to around 40 millimetres (1.6 in) in length, while males are smaller at 30 millimetres (1.2 in). The frog has an almost globular overall shape, with a small flattened head, short snout, prominent eyes, and well-muscled limbs. The skin on its back is mostly smooth, but there are two symmetrical pairs of thorny tubercles on the upper back. The digits on both its forelimbs and hind limbs are elongated, which helps the frog clamber through trees and bushes. A distinctive feature of this species is the expanded discs at the end of its fingers. Its hind limbs are short, with bony flanges on the heels that assist with digging. The frog’s dorsal coloration is bright green, generously marked with darker green and black patches; in the western portion of its range, its base color is more olive. Its underside is often marbled with white. The green burrowing frog is distributed across Madagascar, occurring in the rainforests of eastern Madagascar and in the drier western half of the island. It can be found at elevations up to 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) above sea level.
