De Villiers' moss frog

The De Villiers' moss frog (Arthroleptella villiersi) is a minute species of frog in the family Pyxicephalidae, which is endemic to the Western Cape, South Africa.^[1] At around 22 mm (0.87 in) length, it is one of the smallest regional species, though larger than the micro frog.^[2]

De Villiers' moss frog
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Pyxicephalidae
Genus:	Arthroleptella
Species:	A. villiersi
Binomial name
Arthroleptella villiersi Hewitt, 1935

As with other moss frogs, they do not enter water, but females lay their eggs in damp vegetation, and the frogs hatch directly from the egg capsules.^[2] Its natural habitats are Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, rivers, and plantations. It is threatened by habitat loss.

References

1. IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2013). "Arthroleptella villiersi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013: e.T58063A18403581. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-2.RLTS.T58063A18403581.en. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
2. Wolfart, Stephen (2006). The Southern Tip of Africa. David Philip Publishers. p. 73. ISBN 978-0-86486-698-1.