Tomato frog

Dyscophus antongilii

The tomato frog is a red-orange frog from Afrotropical Madagascar. It uses forest and freshwater habitats and hunts at night.

Key facts

Tomato frog (Dyscophus antongilii) is a carnivore animal classified as Amphibian · Anura · Microhylidae.
Primary habitats are forest · freshwater, with a range across Afrotropical.
Activity is nocturnal, sociality is solitary, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
The tomato frog is a red-orange frog from Afrotropical Madagascar.
It occurs in humid forest, lowland watersides, and rain-filled pools.
Typical lifespan: 4-15 years

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

It occurs in humid forest, lowland watersides, and rain-filled pools. Temporary freshwater sites can be used for breeding.

Body length is about 6-10 cm and weight about 40-200 g. The rounded body is red to orange, and the frog can inflate itself when threatened.

It is nocturnal and solitary. By day it hides in leaf litter or soil, becoming active on wet nights.

It is carnivorous, eating insects and small invertebrates. It waits on the ground and snaps up prey that comes close.

Breeding follows rain in pools or shallow water. Eggs hatch into tadpoles, which develop and metamorphose in water.

Its conservation status is LC. Bright color and sticky skin secretions likely contribute to defense.