Kassina maculata
| Red-legged running frog | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Hyperoliidae |
| Genus: | Kassina |
| Species: | K. maculata |
| Binomial name | |
| Kassina maculata (Duméril, 1853) | |
The Red-legged running frog (Kassina maculata) is a frog species of the Hyperoliidae family. They are silvery greyish-brown with dark brown to black spots, and derive their name from bright red coloring on the ventral side of their hind legs. Adult body length is typically 6 to 7.5 centimeters. These frogs have vertical pupils. Other common names include brown-spotted tree frog, red-legged Kassina, red-legged pan frog, spotted running frog, tiger leg running frog, and vlei frog.
Habitat
K. maculata is endemic to the tropical and sub-tropical areas of Africa's east coast (Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe). The frog thrives in varying terrain including shrubland, grassland, savannah, and forest as long as there exists a ready source of fresh water or high humidity.
Behavior
Red-legged running frogs are nocturnal, and therefore somewhat elusive to humans - preferring to burrow under loose soil or hide in dense vegetation during the day. At night they take to climbing trees and tall shrubs to feed mainly on a diet of insects and insect larvae.
As Pets
Because they are nocturnal and do require a significantly moist environment (80% relative humidity is recommended), they are not as common a pet as other species of frog. However, being rather hardy and robust, they do survive well under appropriate basic conditions. A source of UV light is not required, and ambient temperature of 72 to 77 °F (22 to 25 °C) is sufficient. Both a thermometer and hygrometer should be present. Moss or coconut fiber should be used as substrate for burrowing, with both wet and dry ground areas within the enclosure. A basin or bowl of clean, fresh water is necessary. Misting of fresh water should occur twice a day at the wet end of the tank. Plants (real or artificial) should be present for climbing. A diet of live crickets, mealworms, or flies is appropriate, and size of food should be limited to the width of the space between the frog's eyes.
References
- Pickersgill, M., Schiøtz, A., Howell, K. & Minter, L. 2004. Kassina maculata. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 22 July 2007.