Frogs are fabulous

As their name suggests, reed frogs make use of the tall reed beds that fringe pans to breed. The males climb right to the top of the reeds to emanate their shrill calls. Reed frogs have flat toe pads to assist in climbing the reeds. Each call site is defended from other males and reed frogs are notorious for screeching and kicking to displace a rival. During the day reed frogs may hide in trees taking shelter in the axils of leaves. If no tree cover is available, they will simply remain on the reed stalk sometimes in exposed positions. Their small bodies and hunched posture allows them to minimize evaporative losses at these times.

This is a small frog of only about 2.5cm but is conspicuous for its dazzling colouration and high pitched piping whistle that creates a notable cacophony when many call in chorus. Painted reed frogs are common and occurs throughout the eastern part of southern Africa in a variety of different races (up to 16) each possessing unique colours and patterns which have caused great consternation amongst scientists with regards to classification. The colour form present in the Lowveld is strikingly striped in black, white and yellow on the upper side and the flanks and limbs are fringed with red patches. To create further confusion, painted reed frogs are able to bleach their colouration completely during the day in order to thermoregulate (reflect heat).

The inner sections of the hind legs are infused red and this is used as an anti-predatory device known as flash colouration. A threatened individual will leap up, exposing the bright red colour obvious to the predator which then focuses on this. As the frog lands, the red inner leg is instantly tucked away and the predator no longer has its target in sight and may then struggle to relocate its quarry should the frog remain motionless.