Description

A medium sized Hyperolius (males 23-27 mm, females 25-32 mm) from the eastern forests. Voice a scream. Phase F with a light dorsolateral line and white spots on heels and sometimes a spot around the anus. The males have a gular flap similar to that of H. puncticulatus. Both males and females have fine dorsal asperities. Pupil horizontal.

Phase J has a brownish dorsum with diffuse darker spots, Ventral surfaces yellow to orange. Phase F: Dorsum darker or lighter brown with diffuse darker spots. A broad, black-edged silverish canthal and dorsolateral line is always present from tip of snout almost to groin. A spot of the same colour is present on the heel. Ventrum yellow to orange.

The relationship with the similar, sympatric H. puncticulatus is mentioned under that species.

This species shows developmental changes in patterning, with two phases, J (juveniles and many mature males) and F (mature females and some mature males). All newly metamorphosed individuals are phase J, which is normally brownish to green with paired light dorsolateral lines, or an hourglass pattern. All females, and some males, develop into phase F before the first breeding season. Phase F is often colorful and variable, showing the diagnostic color characteristics for the species or subspecies. Either well-defined morphs may be present, or graded variation.

This account was taken from "Treefrogs of Africa" by Arne Schiøtz with kind permission from Edition Chimaira publishers, Frankfurt am Main.