Hyperoliidae

family of amphibians

Hyperoliidae is a family of small to medium sized, brightly colored, frogs. It has more than 250 species in 19 genera. Seventeen genera live in sub-Saharan Africa.[1]

Sedge and Bush Frogs
Heterixalus alboguttatus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
Order:
Family:
Hyperoliidae
Subfamilies

Hyperoliinae
Kassininae
Leptopelinae
Tachycnemidae

Hyperoliids range from 1.5 centimetres (0.59 in) to 8 centimetres (3.1 in) in body length. Many species have smooth, brightly patterned, skin that almost looks enameled.[2]

Most hyperoliids live in trees. Some live on land, including several Kassina species that move by walking or running rather than hopping. Diet varies widely, with examples including Tornierella, who eats snails, and Afrixalus fornasinii, the only land frog known to eat eggs of other species of anurans.

Breeding in this family begins at the start of the rainy season. Hyperoliids come together at breeding sites. Most hyperoliids lay their eggs in water.[2] Tadpoles are pond type larvae with large dorsal fins on the tail.

No fossil hyperoliids are known.

Classification change

Family HYPEROLIIDAE

References change

  1. Shiotz, 1999
  2. 2.0 2.1 Zweifel, Robert G. (1998). Cogger, H.G. & Zweifel, R.G. (ed.). Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians. San Diego: Academic Press. pp. 100–101. ISBN 0-12-178560-2.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: editors list (link)