Hoeschs pygmy toad

Introduction: Hoesch's Pygmy toad (Poyntonophrynes hoeschi) occur in very dry areas with rocky outcrops. They are named after the Namibian herpetologist, W. Hoesch.

Distribution: Naukluft Mountains north to the Windhoek and the Khomas Hochland Mountains, bearing westwards to the Erongo Mountains and onto Brandberg Mountain.

Diet: Mainly insects.

Colouration: Upperparts are brown to reddish-brown with both light and dark markings and the skin is scattered with warts. The underside is clear.

Breeding: Breeds in the sandy-bottoms of temporary pools in rocky outcrops. Tadpoles grow up to 20mm and metamorphosis is complete is less than 24 days.

Maximum size: 38mm