Banded rubber frog

The banded rubber frog (Phrynomantis bifasciatus) is a species of frog in the family Microhylidae. It is found in central and southern Africa. Its natural habitats are dry savanna, moist savanna, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland, subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland, subtropical or tropical high-altitude grassland, intermittent freshwater lakes, intermittent freshwater marshes, arable land, pastureland, water storage areas, ponds, and canals and ditches. The female can reach a maximum size of 65 mm whereas the tadpoles can reach a size of 37 mm. The maximum size of the male is yet unknown, but sizes differ from 45 mm to 68 mm.

Banded rubber frog
Phrynomantis bifasciatus in Manyane Resort Walking Trail, Pilanesberg, South Africa
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Microhylidae
Genus:	Phrynomantis
Species:	P. bifasciatus
Binomial name
Phrynomantis bifasciatus (Smith, 1847)

Characteristics: Greyish underside with white spots (sometimes not apparent). Skin is smooth and rubbery. Arms and legs have reddish spots. To distinguish between gender, the male has a darker throat.

Toxicity

These frogs release a milky toxic substance through their skin. This substance is toxic both to other frog species and humans.[1][2]

Photo of a Red Branded Rubber Frog

Captivity

This species of Microhylid is kept in captivity.

References

• Minter, L., Poynton, J.C. & Balletto, E. 2004. Phrynomantis bifasciatus. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 23 July 2007.
• Prof.S.Jansen, Tuks, University of Pretoria,E. 2012.
• Van den Berg, B. Photo of Red Banded Rubber Frog, 2005

1. Jaeger, Robert G. (1971-03-08). "Toxic Reaction to Skin Secretions of the Frog, Phrynomerus bifasciatus". Copeia. 1971 (1): 160–161. doi:10.2307/1441615. ISSN 0045-8511. JSTOR 1441615.
2. Pantanowitz, L.; Naudé, T. W.; Leisewitz, A. (November 1998). "Noxious toads and frogs of South Africa". South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif vir Geneeskunde. 88 (11): 1408–1414. ISSN 0256-9574. PMID 9861946.