Phrynomantis Bifasciatus Toad

 What is Phrynomantis Bifasciatus Toad ?

Phrynomantis Bifasciatus Toad (Phrynomantis bifasciatus) is described as a medium (45 – 66 mm) walking and climbing frog found in the southern parts of Africa including the bushveld, savanna, and subtropical or tropical shrubland, and grassland areas of South Africa. These frogs have smooth glossy rubbery skins with dark gray to black bodies and a light greyish underside.

Also known by some lay people as the Red rubber banded frog, they have two distinctive reddish stripes running front to back over the back, large reddish sport on the arms and legs, and a large spot on the rump. Banded Rubber frogs are one of the few species in South Africa that carries a potent toxin on their skin. The poison works locally by irritating the skin and mucous membranes and systemically by probably affecting the heart muscle. Phrynomantis bifasciatus Toad is available on Vanexmeds.

Being non-jumping frogs, Banded Rubber frogs actually make good pets. The frog in this photo was one of my weird and wonderful pets kept while I was in varsity. I had her for several years before she miraculously disappeared from her tank.

USES

Phrynomantis bifasciatus is known by many common names. Probably the most descriptive is the Red-Banded Crevice Creeper because this frog will seek just about any tight space or crevice for shelter during the day. It is also known as the Fire Walking Frog for its habit of walking rather than hopping as a means of locomotion.

Its slow mode of moving about matters little as this species is quite toxic – its bright colors warn potential predators to avoid making a meal of this attractive little frog. Normal handling of this frog is generally safe. However, if there are scratches or open wounds on one’s hands, poisoning can result. Symptoms of poisoning include painful swelling, difficulty in breathing, headache, increased heart rate, and nausea. These symptoms should last no more than 4 hours. If other frogs keep in the same enclosure as this species, they may well die. Buy Phrynomantis bifasciatus Toad now.

Breeding takes place during summer in temporary ponds that form after heavy rains. Females of this species are known to lay between 600 and 1,500 eggs, which are often attached to floating vegetation. Tadpoles hatch 4 days later and metamorphose about a month later.