Phrynomantis bifasciatus (Smith, 1847)
Because of its striking colouration and appearance, P. bifasciatus is well known in the pet trade. It was imported into Germany before 1931 (Channing 2001) and is presently offered for sale on the internet. Nevertheless, the species is common throughout its range and occurs in a number of national parks and provincial nature reserves. It is not threatened and no additional conservation measures are needed (Text from Minter et al., 2004, © SI/MAB Biodiversity Program).
When disturbed, it inflates and arches its body, tucking its head in and raising its rump to accentuate the aposematic colours and markings (Text from Minter et al., 2004, © SI/MAB Biodiversity Program).
The tadpoles are gregarious. They resemble Xenopus tadpoles, but lack tentacles and have deeper, pigmented fins (black or red). They are filter-feeders, maintaining their position in the water column by means of a rapidly undulating tail tip (Text from Minter et al., 2004, © SI/MAB Biodiversity Program).
These frogs may be handled without ill effects, but if unduly alarmed or hurt, they produce copious skin secretions with an unpleasant odour. The secretions are toxic, irritant and lethal to other frogs confined in the same container. They are cardiotoxic, affecting the potassium channels in the membranes of human heart cells, and cause cell death within a short time (Van der Walt et al. 1992). In humans, prolonged skin contact, or assimilation of the toxin via cuts or scratches on the hands, can cause extremely painful swelling and other symptoms such as nausea, headache, respiratory distress and an increased pulse rate (Text from Minter et al., 2004, © SI/MAB Biodiversity Program).
Pienaar et al. (1976), Wager (1986) and Lambiris (1989) all found that during the dry season, P. bifasciatus takes shelter under rocks or logs, in holes excavated by other animals, in termitaria, in holes in trees or under loose bark, in the axils of banana leaves and in drain pipes. Jacobsen (1989) report that P. bifasciatus often shelters with other frogs, lizards, scorpions and whip scorpions. The adults feed mainly on ants, but also consume other Hymenoptera, termites, grasshoppers and spiders (Jacobsen 1982). Channing (2001) found the Hamerkop Scopus umbretta prey on this species (Text from Minter et al., 2004, © SI/MAB Biodiversity Program).
This widespread species is distributed from the Democratic Republic of Congo, eastern Ethiopia and Somalia, south through East Africa to northeastern South Africa. Its range extends westward through northern Botswana and northern Namibia to southern Angola (Text from Minter et al., 2004, © SI/MAB Biodiversity Program).
Wager (1989) report that tadpoles usually reach metamorphosis after about a month, depending on the availability of food (Text from Minter et al., 2004, © SI/MAB Biodiversity Program).