Skip to main content

Paddy Frog

Paddy Frog

Fejervarya limmocharis (Gravenhorst, 1829)
It is a mid-sized frog measuring 4-6 cm with dark w-shaped vertical lines on both lips. It has distinct tympanum and temporal folds, as well as dark v-shaped horizontal markings between two eyes. Its body color varies from grayish green, brown to dark gray. Some individuals exhibit the vertebral line with many irregular stick-like protrusions full with small tubercles. The belly is white or yellowish-cream with horizontal lines on the upper forelimb, pointed fingertips and developed metacarpal tubercles. The hind legs are shorter with horizontal lines and many small white tubercles on the inner sides of thighs. The toes are half-webbed. There are inner and outer metatarsal tubercles.

It is generally distributed over the lower-altitude regions of Taiwan and likes to dwell in weedy waters, paddy fields or rural ditches. The breeding season for adults is from March to October, mainly in spring and summer. The female can lay 700-1600 eggs at one time, floating on the water in masses. The tadpoles are in small size with the back featuring olive green in brown spots, whose tail can reach twice the length of the body.