Photos

Discophus quineti; Also referred to as a Tomato Frog. It's easy to see where this chubby guy got his name. This frog comes from the island of Madagascar. This western subspecies has an eastern cousin that is quite red, and really illustrates the nickname to a tee. This frog is just as pudgy as he looks, having almost the feel of a ball of "silly putty". While this particular species is easy to handle, it's a good idea to never over do it with any frog , or toad. These animals absorb the moisture they require by drawing water into their body through the pores in their skin. To much handling can lead to these pores being filed with the natural oils off of our skin. But, having said that, you still have to touch them once in a while!

Paroedura Pictus; Also referred to as an Ocelot Gecko. This is a ground Gecko that comes from the island of Madagascar, off the coast of Africa. Although this mostly nocturnal lizard prefers to hide in seclusion, it can be easily coaxed out for a visit with a meal worm, or two. With the proper conditions this Gecko can be readily bred in captivity.

Phelsuma quadriocellata bimaculata; Peacock Gecko is just a bit easier to say.

This beautiful gecko (about six inches long when fully grown) ,also comes from the island of Madagascar. If you haven't figured it out already, it's not just my partiality , but the animals of this amazing island are truly incredible! Unfortunately, the rain forest destruction is claiming so many of it's inhabitants that many of these animals, which can only be found there, will soon become extinct. There is hope for this species, as it is now being bred in captivity.

Phelsuma madagascariensis, madagascariensis is a mouthful. Let's just use Mad Mad. These larger Day Gecko also come from Madagascar. This is a captive bred specimen that has done very well in a well kept Vivarium. They become quite tame, and will eat baby food fruit right off of your finger.

Hyperoliidae leptopelia natalensisi; more commonly referred to as the Usambura Tree Frog. This more common reference is simply because they come from Usambura, Africa. Another one of those great little tree frogs with the big smiley face. This is the male of these infrequently imported frogs. I was able to acquire a pair, and will attempt to breed them. So little is documented on their natural habitat and breeding requirements, we'll just have to wait and see if I can get the right combination.

This is the female Usambura tree frog. The only evidence to this point on sexing these two frogs has been the male singing. He had been observed singing before I acquired him, and I was fortunately able to confirm that myself as I was picking them up. As if right on que, he began to croak away as to be sure to have identified himself to all.

Oh, my what big eyes you have! It's not those eyes that the insect world needs to watch out for. It is that Huge mouth on this African bullfrog species, Pyxicephals edulis. Not the largest of the African Bullfrogs, but still has quite the appetite!

Another horned frog. This one is a short horned species form Asia, Megophys montana aceras. They favor a cooler environment that is layered with leaves that are sequenced through a wet to dry to wet condition similar to their native habitat.

There are some fantastically colored frogs and toads around the world, and they are not all of the "Poison Arrow Frog" family either. Take a look below at this beautiful narrow mouth frog from Madagascar (Scaphiophryne gottlebei). I have to assume that it is an adult and is only about two inch's long. It has been doing very well in a "swampy" type of environment with lots of moss, live plants, and places to hide. It also seems to prefer a "cooler" temperature range. It is quite secretive, and has to be found most nights by lifting up a rock or two. Every once in a while it will be out on it's own probably looking for a cricket or two. WOW, what a beautiful animal. C

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These next two frogs are typically referred to as "Tree Frogs," when in fact they are more accurately "leaf frogs." This is most apparent if we look at some of the more common tree frogs, like the Cuban, or Whites (and others) to see that the body structure, along with basic movement in it's natural environment are quite different. This is not a point to get crazy over, but I have to admit it has become one of my "pet peeves" when it come to species reference in a more generic context.

Let's move on to the photos. First the ever popular, and probably the most photographed frog there is. This is the Red Eye Leaf (OK, Tree is cool here too) Frog (Agalychnis callidryas). They are native to South America along with the next photo below it. This one is the Tiger Leg Leaf (or Tree) Frog, and lives in the same regions as the Red Eyed Leaf Frog. Those spindly legs, and big eyes enhance it's delicate appearance to just being darned cute! The Red Eye Leaf Frog is having great success now being bred in captivity. To my knowledge no one is readily breeding the Tiger Leg Leaf Frog, even though the natural conditions are the same.

Below; Everyone has become infatuated with the "Poison Arrow" Frogs. They are easily some of the most striking, and beautiful of all the frog species. These are Dendrobates auratus that can be found from Nicaragua, south into Columbia, South America. Barely approaching two inches when full grown, these captive bred specimens no longer hold there toxins like their cousins in the wild. They lose much of their toxicity that they gain from their diet in the wild once in captivity. Requiring nearly 100% humidity and very tiny food, these beautiful animals are no task for the beginner.