Family Pyxicephalidae

Tomopterna delalandii (Tschudi, 1838)

Cape Sand Frog, Delalande’s Sand Frog, Striped Pyxie, Gestreepte Sandpadda (A)

By A. Channing

Currently accepted name: Tomopterna delalandii
Red listing status: Least Concern (IUCN 2013)

Photo by Hardaker T. & , 2012. URL: FrogMAP: 449

Distribution

This South African endemic species is distributed from Steinkopf (2917BC) in Northern Cape Province, southward through Namaqualand and eastward across most of Western Cape Province to the low-lying areas of Eastern Cape Province. It is recorded as far east as Port Alfred (3326DB). Some records from the Karoo and interior may be confused with T. tandyi (see the comments under T. cryptotis).

Habitat

T. delalandii inhabits lowlands and valleys throughout the Fynbos and Succulent Karoo biomes. Annual rainfall in these areas is 60–750 mm. It breeds in pans, vleis and dams, as well as small watercourses in flat, sandy areas.

Life history

Males call from exposed positions, often in shallow water. This species breeds in winter in the winter-rainfall region, and in summer throughout the rest of its range (Channing 1988). About 2500 eggs are laid singly or in small masses and have an unpleasant odour. The tadpoles are benthic and reach 44 mm in length. Metamorphosis takes place within 25–35 days.

Conservation

This widespread species is abundant and not in need of conservation action.

Current distribution map

Undated records;  pre-1996;  1996 to 2002;  2003 to present