Paddy Frog

Inset: non-striped form

Description: A medium-sized frog. Maximum length 6.5 cm; average size 4 cm. Back greenish-brown or brownish, with several longitudinal rows of elongated, raised wrinkles, which give the skin a coarse appearance. A W-shaped marking generally present on its back. A skin fold extends from behind the eye to the shoulder. Some individuals are spotted only, while others may have a broad, green or yellow mid-dorsal stripe, sometimes barely discernible, extending from snout to vent. Lips with 3-4 narrow, black, vertical bars across both lips. Underside creamy-white. Hind legs banded dark brown. Digits of hind limbs partially webbed.

Habits and habitat: Hong Kong's most common frog in areas in cultivation. Found predominantly near sea level but, given suitable habitats, also occurs in hilly areas up to at least 450 m. Is usually found around ponds, streams and marshy areas, often hiding under objects during the day.

Diet: Feeds on small insects such as crickets and termites, but may also take smaller frogs.

Reproduction: Starts to breed in early spring around March and April. Tadpoles small and brownish. Newly metamorphosed froglets about 1 cm in length, brown in colour, with the characteristic W-shaped marking of the adult. Their body is somewhat fat and round.

Distribution: A very common species, widely distributed throughout the territory, but uncommon to rare on Hong Kong Island due to loss of habitat. Widely distributed in China, Japan, Southeast Asia and west to Pakistan.

Diagnostic features: rows of wrinkles down the back; a W-shaped marking; a skin fold between eye and shoulder; black-spotted lips; with or without green mid-dorsal stripe.