Leaf-litter Toad

Inset: ventral side showing axillary glands

Description: A tiny toad not exceeding 3 cm from snout to vent. Dark brown above, with irregular dark mottling on the back. Tiny granules scattered all over the body. Chin and belly white in colour. Two characteristic white tubercles on the chest, and one also on the inside of each thigh.

Habits and habitat: Prior to 1979 when it was first recorded in Hong Kong, it went unnoticed because its croak resembles a cricket's chirp, with which it is easily confused. Inhabits precipitous, rocky hill and mountain streams, both the large ones and the mere water trickles. Altitude range about 200 m and above. The streams favoured by Leptolalax are somewhat shaded and sometimes practically closed in by forest. Is strictly nocturnal.

Diet: Captive specimens feed on termites, flies and small caterpillars.

Reproduction: Breeding habits in Hong Kong so far not known in detail, but croaking can be heard early as February. Males sit at the entrance to their burrows and croak to attract females. They also call from large rocks on which they may perch. Tadpoles dark brown, about 5 cm in total length.

Distribution: First recorded on Lantau Island in 1979, but has since been found in a number of localities in the New Territories as well. Is distributed from central to southern China, Burma, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Diagnostic features: Blunt snout; unwebbed digits; white glands on chest and inner surface of thighs.