Heleophrynidae (see family information on Tree of Life site)

This small family of slender agile frogs is restricted to the southern tip of Africa, where its members are found along higher elevation stream regions. Only the genus Heleophryne comprises this group. Adults have large eyes, vertical pupils, and triangular toe discs. Dorsal patterns consist of large spots on a lighter brown or green background. Due to their cold habitat, tadpoles are slow to develop. Major morphological characters uniting these species include the absence of larval jaw sheaths and the presence of many rows of denticles, as well as the presence in adults of triangular toe discs. Males are known to produce extra mucous and loosen their skin as they become more aquatic during breeding season.

Heleophryne regis Photo by Miguel Vences and Frank Glaw (Click for details)

Genus Heleophryne (6 species)

Heleophryne hewitti	no species account	no photos	no range maps	no sounds
Heleophryne natalensis	no species account	photos	no range maps	no sounds
Heleophryne orientalis	no species account	no photos	no range maps	no sounds
Heleophryne purcelli	no species account	no photos	no range maps	no sounds
Heleophryne regis	no species account	photos	no range maps	no sounds
Heleophryne rosei	species account	no photos	no range maps	no sounds

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