THERE are a few species of Leaf-folding Frogs found across the country.
They have a unique and clever method of keeping their eggs relatively safe.
Here, in the Highway area, one species is far more common than the other two, the smaller species: the Greater Leaf-folding Frog (Afrixalus fornasinii)
What does it look like?
It has the same sort of body shape as the Reed Frogs, although they are a bit bigger than most. They have a stripy appearance. Broad, light to dark brown bands, between white/cream bands. Their skin is covered in small, freckle-like spines. They have vertical pupils, whereas the Reed Frogs have round pupils. They really are beautiful frogs.
What do they sound like?
Like a machine gun. Well, not exactly like one, but the rhythm is the same. A series of short, rapid, “clacking” sounds. It’s quite a distinctive call, and loud too.
Where do they live?
They prefer broad-leaved reeds around densely vegetated ponds, dams and wetlands. Why broad-leaved reeds? Because they lay their eggs on the leaves of the reed, and manage to cleverly conceal them.
As its name suggests, the female lays the eggs on the centre (midrib) of the leaf.
The male, using his hind legs, then folds the leaf over, and seals the folded leaf with a secretion deposited with the eggs.
Laying the eggs in this manner conceals the eggs from predators, genius.
Once fully developed, the tadpoles hatch out, and simply drop into the water.
So that’s why it’s known as the leaf-folding frog!.
Are they poisonous?
No
Kick-boxers
Male frogs will often fight for a perch to call from.
During this combat, they emit an aggression call, different to the one to attract the ladies.
Along with the Painted Reed Frog, the Greater Leaf-folder is the species I most often see fighting.
It looks really funny. They mostly try to kick each other off, but may try and throw one another off the perch too.
It really is quite a spectacle.
