Speckled bellied grass frog

Introduction: Speckled-Bellied Grass frogs (Ptychadena subpunctata) favour deep permanent water in savannah in pools, river backwaters and swamps. Soft croaks, emitted in quick succession, are interspersed with loud clucks.

Distribution: Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip) from west of Bwabwata National Park extending east to Victoria Falls. Present in the Okavango Delta.

Diet: Insects such as ants, termites and spiders.

Colouration: Subpunctata is a combination of 2 Latin words, sub meaning 'beneath' and punctum which means 'marked with points or dots' referring to the black speckled markings on the underside.

The upperparts are light to dark brown. Other features include a broad cream or green vertebral band from the snout to the vent and some paravertebral and dorsal skin ridges.
Breeding: Eggs are scattered in shallow water, where tadpoles grow to 55mm. The dark, dense marbling is already evident.

Maximum size: 70mm.