Family Pyxicephalidae

Arthroleptella bicolor Hewitt, 1926

Bainskloof Moss Frog, Bainskloof Chirping Frog, Bainskloof-mospaddatjie (A)

By A. Channing

Currently accepted name: Arthroleptella bicolor
Red listing status: Least Concern



Photo by la Grange PW, 2012. URL: FrogMAP: 356

Distribution

A. bicolor is endemic to the Riviersonderend, Du Toitsberg, Elandskloof and Limietberg mountains. It has been recorded at altitudes of 300–2000 m. The atlas records are regarded as reliable but incomplete because of the difficulties in surveying mountainous areas.

Habitat

This frog is associated with moss and matted vegetation found in seepages and along heavily vegetated streams, often on steep slopes. It is known from montane fynbos where the winter rainfall exceeds 750 mm.

Life history

Breeding commences during the winter rains, and continues until the seeps dry up in midsummer. Clutches of 8–10 eggs are laid in moss or similar vegetation in seepages (Channing 2001). Males may guard the eggs as they call from oviposition sites. The eggs develop directly into 4-mm froglets. Prey consists of small arthropods.

Conservation

A. bicolor is relatively widespread, occurs in several large protected areas and is in no need of special conservation action. The full extent of its distribution is not yet known.

Current distribution map



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

Citation:

  • Web:
    FrogMAP. 2024. Arthroleptella bicolor Hewitt, 1926. Animal Demography Unit. Accessed from http://frogmap.adu.org.za/?sp=70; on 2024-12-30 07:12:42.
  • Book:
    Minter L.R., Burger M., Harrison J.A., Braack H.H., Bishop P.J. & Kloepfer D. (eds). 2004. Atlas and Red Data book of the frogs of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. SI/MAB Series no. 9. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. Published by the Smithsonian Institution and the Avian Demography Unit (now Animal Demography Unit).