Mottled shovel nosed frog

Introduction: Mottled Shovel-Nosed frogs (Hemisus marmoratus) inhabit marshy grounds and in sandy riverbanks in bushveld savannah. Their call is a long, high-pitched buzz, males calling from their underground burrow or hidden amongst vegetation.

Distribution: Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip) only

Diet: Earthworms, spiders and other insects.

Colouration: Marmoratus is a Latin word meaning 'covered in marble' referring to the mottled light grey, yellowish or grey background with grey or brown marbling. The underside is smooth and white.

Breeding: Tadpoles grow up to 55mm and emerge from the jelly capsules after around 8 days. It is the mother that carries or digs a canal for the eggs to reach water. In the dry season, egg development can take up to 8 weeks.

Maximum size: 55mm.