Balfour's Reed Frog

About the Balfour's Reed Frog

Hyperolius balfouri is a species of frog in the family Hyperoliidae. It is found in Cameroon, Central African Republic, northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, southwestern Ethiopia, Uganda, and western Kenya. The specific name balfouri honours J.W. Balfour, a missionary in Uganda. Common names Balfour's reed frog and Ethiopia reed frog have been coined for this species, with the latter name referring to the now-synonymized Hyperolius zavattarii. Populations from the western part of the range may be referred to the subspecies Hyperolius balfouri viridistriatus.

Adult males measure 28–34 mm (1.1–1.3 in) and adult females 36–42 mm (1.4–1.7 in) in snout–vent length. The dorsum is yellow to brown with thin, dark dorsolateral stripes. In the eastern populations these are shorter, extending 2/3 down the body, whereas in the western populations the lines are green and better developed; often a dark middorsal line, sometimes split into spots, is present. The venter and throat are white to orange. Males possess a large, flat, somewhat shagreened gular flap and small asperities on the dorsum. Females have smooth skin.

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