Kingdom Animalia Class Amphibia Family Pyxicephalidae | Phylum Chordata Order Anura Genus Amietia | |
The ice frog, large-mouthed frog, or water frog (Amietia vertebralis) is a species of frog in the Pyxicephalidae family. It is found in Lesotho and Natal, the Drakensberg and Witteberg ranges. The species' natural habitat is limited to pristine, cool grasslands and rivers between 1500 and 3300m above sea level.
It is dark brown with a very warty skin and a somewhat squat appearance. Its tadpoles have been seen swimming under ice and are sometimes seen embedded in ice. It is a relatively large frog with a length from nose to vent of 6 inches (150 mm) and 14 inches (360 mm) from nose to toe. The greatest width of its head is 2 1⁄4 inches (57 mm). Its belly and insides of legs are white with a dark reticulation. Freshwater crabs form a large part of its diet. This species was formerly known as Rana umbraculata.
Though its range is limited, it is abundant in its natural habitat and is not considered to be in danger of underpopulation. Habitat loss is present due to afforestation, agriculture and dams, as well as possible erosion due to overgrazing by livestock. The species is used in traditional medicine by local tribes to treat burns, but the frequency of this use is not likely to endanger this species.