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AmphibianTerrestrialIntermediate
©AI Generated·Proprietary
Solomon Island ground frog
Cornufer solomonis
The Solomon Island ground frog is a common terrestrial species known for its remarkable reproductive strategy of direct development, skipping the tadpole phase.
Class:Amphibia
Order:Anura
Family:Ceratobatrachidae
Subfamily:Ceratobatrachinae
Genus:Cornufer
Species:Cornufer solomonis
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
70 - 90 %
Day temperature
24 - 28 °C
Night temperature
22 - 24 °C
UVB
Low
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Cornufer solomonis is native to the Solomon Islands archipelago and the island of Bougainville (Papua New Guinea). It is a highly adaptable species, inhabiting primary and secondary tropical rainforests, rural gardens, plantations, and disturbed forest margins. It is commonly found in damp leaf litter and on the forest floor up to 900 meters above sea level.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Belonging to the family Ceratobatrachidae and genus Cornufer, this species is well-studied for its direct development mode of reproduction. Genetic traits align with other Pacific island frogs that have adapted to live without access to standing water, laying terrestrial eggs that hatch into fully formed froglets.
Behavior and Habits: Primarily terrestrial and nocturnal. It spends daylight hours concealed under leaves, fallen logs, or rocks to prevent dehydration. Active at night, it searches for prey on the forest floor and occasionally climbs into low bushes. Males produce a loud, metallic clicking call during humid nights.
Morphology: Exhibits high polymorphic variation in patterns and colors. It features a broad head with a pointed snout and moderate body size. The dorsal skin is textured with short, longitudinal ridges or folds. Colors range from pale tan to deep brown, often with dark lateral stripes or splotches that mimic decaying vegetation.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: A terrarium measuring 60x45x45 cm is suitable for a small group. A substrate mix of organic soil, coco coir, and sphagnum moss should be covered with a thick layer of dried leaves (such as oak or Catappa). Furnish with hollow cork bark tubes, flat rocks, and hardy climbing plants like Pothos (Epipremnum).
Lighting and Heating: Maintains best health at temperatures of 22°C to 26°C during the day, with a small drop to around 20°C at night. Avoid overhead heat lamps that dry out the air; use a low-wattage heat mat on one side of the tank controlled by a thermostat. Provide a 12-hour light cycle using low-intensity LED bulbs.
Humidity and Hydration: Relative humidity should remain between 70% and 85%. Mist the enclosure daily with dechlorinated water. A shallow, wide water dish must be provided for absorption of moisture through the frog's skin. Change the water daily and ensure the depth does not exceed the frog's chin level.
Feeding and Supplementation: Generalist insectivores. Offer appropriately sized crickets, roaches, woodlice, and fruit flies. Feeder insects should be dusted with calcium and multivitamin powder twice a week for growing froglets, and once a week for mature adults to ensure proper skeletal development.
Compatibility: Can be housed in small groups (one male and multiple females) if space and hiding places are abundant. Males may establish minor territorial disputes but generally cohabit peacefully. Do not mix with other frog or reptile species to prevent cross-contamination.
Health and Common Diseases: Bacterial infections of the skin (red leg disease) can occur if the substrate is allowed to become soggy and foul. Adequate ventilation is necessary to prevent mold growth. Clean the enclosure regularly and replace leaf litter every few months to maintain a hygienic environment.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Cornufer solomonis is native to the Solomon Islands archipelago and the island of Bougainville (Papua New Guinea). It is a highly adaptable species, inhabiting primary and secondary tropical rainforests, rural gardens, plantations, and disturbed forest margins. It is commonly found in damp leaf litter and on the forest floor up to 900 meters above sea level.
Origin
Australia, New Guinea, and Oceania
Amphibian profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- No verified data available
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Toxicity
- No verified data available
- Life stage
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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