This beautiful pygmy toad (Poyntonophrynus fenoulheti) has been popular at Ingwelala during the month. With a distinctive look and a minute size, this little toad certainly makes an impact!
Although there are many species that look similar in this area, the size of this toad is something that sets it apart and gives it its name: these little creatures are tiny, measuring only 43mm in length at full size!
With an overall brown to grey colour on the top of the body, this toad stands out with its beautiful, dark blotches all over its skin. This is often accompanied by bright orange-red spots and bright green eyes. There can be many colour variations in adults of this species, with some appearing dark grey-black, while others are pale brown with distinct blotches.
The Northern Pygmy Toad can be found in the north-east of South Africa, eastern Swaziland, Zimbabwe, the Caprivi and western Mozambique, and they are usually found in savanna and grassland biomes, with a particular affinity for rocky outcrops.
Did you know?
The Northern Pygmy Toad is known to occur in groups on rocky outcrops, sometimes with as many as nine of them together, although they’re normally in groups of five or six. They will hide between the rocks or on the soil underneath stones. It is also common to find this species sharing housing with animals like scorpions and lizards!
Fun Facts:
- Between October and February, breeding occurs after heavy rains in temporary pools of water (such as pooled water on rocky outcrops).
- During this time, adult males will display a bright yellow-orange throat and call frequently from the edges of water pools to attract females.
- Females can lay strings of up to 2,000 eggs in these pools, and the full metamorphosis from egg to adult takes only 19 days!
Words by Tess Woollgar. Images courtesy of Tessa Woolgar