Hyperoliidae

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sedge and Bush Frogs

Leptopelis barbouri

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Hyperoliidae

Genera

Subfamily Hyperoliinae
- Genus Alexteroon
- Genus Arlequinus
- Genus Acanthixalus
- Genus Callixalus
- Genus Chlorolius
- Genus Chrysobatrachus
- Genus Cryptothylax
- Genus Heterixalus
- Genus Hyperolius
- Genus Nesionixalus (?)
Subfamily Kassininae
- Genus Afrixalus
- Genus Kassina
- Genus Kassinula
- Genus Opisthothylax
- Genus Paracassina
- Genus Phlyctimantis
- Genus Semnodactylus
- Genus Tornierella
Subfamily Leptopelinae
- Genus Leptopelis
Subfamily Tachycneminae
- Genus Tachycnemis

Hyperoliidae is a family of small to medium sized frogs, brightly colored frogs which contains more than 250 species in 19 genera. Seventeen genera are live in sub-Saharan Africa (Shiotz, 1999). In addition,the monotypic genus Tachycnemis occurs on the Seychelles Islands, and the genus Heterixalus (currently 10 species) is endemic to Madagascar. Many species have smooth, brightly patterned skin that almost looks enameled.

Most Hyperoliids are arboreal, but some are terrestrial, including several Kassina species that move by walking or running rather than hopping. Diet varies widely, with examples including Tornierella, who specialize on snails, and Afrixalus fornasinii, the only terrestrial frog known to prey on eggs of other species of anurans.

Breeding in this family begins at the start of the rainy season where Hyperoliids congregate at breeding sites. Most hyperoliids lay their eggs in water, although foam nesting, tree hole breeding, and laying of eggs in vegetation above water are all known behaviors. Afrixalus builds leaf nests for its eggs, by folding and gluing the edges of the leaves. Tadpoles are pond type larvae with large dirsal fins on the tail.

No fossil hyperoliids are known.