West African Rubber Frog

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to West Africa. Inhabits open savannas, grasslands, and dry forests, frequently seeking shelter in termite mounds or underground burrows.

Taxonomy and Genetics: Belongs to the Microhylidae family, genus Phrynomantis.

Behavior and Habits: Nocturnal and terrestrial. Exhibits slow crawling movements instead of jumping and is well-adapted to living alongside ants.

Morphology: Features smooth, rubbery skin with a bright red-orange back and dark blackish flanks. Males develop darker throats during breeding seasons.

Terrarium Setup: Set up a terrestrial enclosure with a deep, moist substrate mix of coconut coir and leaf litter, plus cork bark hides.

Lighting and Heating: Keep daytime temperatures between 24-27°C. A low-percentage UVB bulb supports plant growth and animal health.

Humidity and Hydration: Maintain 60-80% humidity. Provide a shallow, clean water dish and mist daily.

Feeding and Supplementation: Insectivore. Offer small crickets and roaches. Dust insects with calcium and multivitamin supplements.

Compatibility: Best kept in species-specific setups due to toxic skin secretions which can affect other species.

Health and Common Diseases: Vulnerable to skin infections and dehydration if the enclosure substrate is allowed to dry out completely.