‘Toad’ ally freaky for frogs – Waterlily frogs
This column features everything you need to know about frogs. Waterlily Frogs are small and appear to have translucent, green skin, so it’s almost like you can see through them.
THE Waterlily Frog (Hyperolius pusillis) is the smallest of the Reed Frog species in the Highway, and it’s a little gem.
What do they look like?
Waterlily Frogs are small, with adults being 2cm – 2.5cm in length. They are much smaller than the similar looking Natal Tree Frog. They have a blunt snout.
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They appear to have translucent, green skin, so it’s almost like you can see through them. They usually have a few spots on their body, and some are spottier than others. Like all our frogs really, they’re cute.
Are they poisonous? No.
What call do they make? It sounds much like an insect. A fast, rapid series of clicks.
Where do they live?
Despite their name, they’re not only found on water lilies. Although yes, if you want to go out and find this species, a pond covered in water lilies would be your best bet.
They blend in well when lying on the lilies. However, I have found them in flooded pans and wetlands, on floating reeds and vegetation. This is where they lay their eggs.
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They often take up residence in suburban gardens with ponds.
Did you know?
The Waterlily Frog has twin vocal sacs. Some frog species have this, although the other reed frog species in our area do not.
When they call, instead of one, large vocal sac inflating under their neck, the Waterlily Frog inflates two smaller ones. It looks rather interesting.
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