Spotted Narrow-mouthed Frog

Description: A small frog, with a rather compact, toad-like body shape, up to 6 cm long. Mustard yellow or yellowish-brown in colour above, streaked with an irregular, inverted Y- or V-shaped, brown mid-dorsal stripe, and many brown spots that extend onto hind legs. A jagged, yellowish streak also extends from beneath the nostril to the angle of the jaw. Flanks chocolate-brown. Numerous granules scattered over the back, sides and legs. Snout pointed and upturned, giving the frog a rather 'haughty' look. Fore and hind limbs shot. Underside white.

Habits and habitat: Its habitat ranges from low-lying areas to moderate altitudes. Is found in cultivated fields and adjacent grassy hillsides. Moves slowly about by crawling or taking short hops in toad-like fashion. Has a interesting method of capturing food. Having spotted its prey, approaches it stealthily, lifting each limb slowly as it advances for the kill. When alarmed, exudes a sticky, milky fluid from its skin glands. Was observed to smear this fluid all over its body, using its fore and hind limbs by way of a brush. The fluid secretion may be toxic or simply unpalatable to potential predators. Thus it is possible a defense mechanism. The spotted pattern provides excellent camouflage when the frog is hiding in grass, making it practically invisible.

Diet: Adults feed on ants, termites, woodlice and small cockroaches. In captivity they also accept Chironomus larvae.

Reproduction: Breeds from late spring to summer in areas where patches of seasonal marshland are formed. Tadpoles small, about 1 cm in total length. Newly metamorphosed froglets have no markings on the back.

Distribution: In Hong Kong seems to occur only in the central and northern New Territories. Also known from southern China, Burma and southern Indochina.

Diagnostic features: Small, compact, toad-like appearance; dull yellow coloration; sides chocolate brown; brown streaks and brown mottling on the back; a yellow streak beneath the eyes; limbs short.