Sheep Frog
Hypopachus variolosus
Sheep frogs reach a size of 2 to 4cm. It has a small, ovoid appearance. Its hind feet are webbed and each has two tubercles. The color of its back ranges from olive green…
How to identify
Sheep frogs reach a size of 2 to 4cm. It has a small, ovoid appearance. Its hind feet are webbed and each has two tubercles. The color of its back ranges from olive green to brown and is laced with a yellow color in the middle. Adult males usually have black colored throats. At its back, dark colors in blotched pattern may be present. The inside may be gray colored, consistent with mottling.
Range
It can be found in the south of the United States, Guatemala, Honduras and Costa Rica.
Habitat
Predominantly, sheep frogs live in burrows below the ground for the larger part of the year and only surface during breeding time. They prefer to dwell in tropical forests, open and humid areas. They also feed mostly on insects and termites. Mating takes place between March and September, when the rains stop. Male frogs make a bleating call that goes on for about 2.5 seconds to attract females. Reproduction takes place in temporary puddles following heavy rainfall. Eggs are typically laid a day after heavy rains. Eggs develop into tadpoles 12 hours after. A month later, the tadpoles become froglets.
Similar species
Gulf coast frog (Incillius valiceps) can be found in Louisiana and Texas. Their skins are covered with warts and they have short legs. There are webs between their fingers. They are usually red, gray, or deep brown in color. Western chorus frog (Pseudacris triseriata) is native to New Jersey and Arizona. They are small sized, about 3 cm. They also have smooth skin. Their color ranges from olive green to gray to brown. They usually have dark stripes on their back. Eastern narrow mouthed frog (gastrophryne carolinensis) is found in Texas, Florida and Missouri. It has a size of up to 2 inches. It is known for its soft humid skin. Its color could be gray, brown or green. However, it has camouflage features and it can adjust its color in relation to its surroundings. Its body is oval shaped and also has a narrow head.
Name and etymology
Variolosus: Latin for full of small spots.
At a glance
Range
It can be found in the south of the United States, Guatemala, Honduras and Costa Rica.
Habitat
Predominantly, sheep frogs live in burrows below the ground for the larger part of the year and only surface during breeding…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap