Scientific name Dimorphognathus Order Frog | Phylum Chordata Rank Genus | |
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Family PhrynobatrachidaeLaurent, 1941 Lower classifications Natal dwarf puddle frog | ||
Phrynobatrachus is a genus of Sub-Saharan frogs that form the monogeneric family Phrynobatrachidae. Their common name is puddle frogs, dwarf puddle frogs, African puddle frogs, or African river frogs. The common name, puddle frog, refers to the fact that many species breed in temporary waterbodies such as puddles.
Contents
Phrynobatrachus are among the most common amphibians in Africa. They are typically small (mostly less than 30 mm (1.2 in)), fast-moving frogs. They occupy a variety of habitats from dry savannas to rainforests. Most species deposit many small eggs as a surface clutch in standing or slowly moving water and have exotrophic tadpoles.
Taxonomy
Phrynobatrachidae has earlier been considered as a subfamily of Ranidae, but its recognition as a family is now well-established. It is probably most closely related to Petropedetidae and Pyxicephalidae or Ptychadenidae.
This large genus may be further divided into three major clades. These clades could be treated as different genera, but this arrangement is not yet in use.
Species
There are currently 85 species in this genus:
