| Tomopterna gallmanni | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Pyxicephalidae |
| Genus: | Tomopterna |
| Species: | T. gallmanni |
| Binomial name | |
| Tomopterna gallmanni Wasonga and Channing, 2013 | |
Tomopterna gallmanni, commonly known as Gallmann's sand frog, is a species of frog in the family Pyxicephalidae. It is a cryptic species endemic to Kenya.
Endemic to Kenya, Tomopterna gallmanni is known from the Laikipia Plateau, Baragoi, Maralal, and Naivasha. [1] [2] It has been recorded at several protected areas within this range, including Laikipia National Reserve, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Ngare Ndare Forest, and the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. [1] [3] It occurs in moist, open grassland, savannah, and woodland habitats at altitudes between 1,300–2,000 m (4,300–6,600 ft) above sea level, [2] and is known to inhabit both man-made and naturally occurring water bodies. [1] [3]
Tomopterna gallmanni is a stout, toad-like frog with a small head and thick legs. The dorsal markings consist of several irregular dark grey patches on a lighter grey background, sometimes with a complete or broken white line running down the back. Brown warts with black borders are present on the dorsum and sides. The underside is a creamy white colour that becomes pinkish on the palms and around the vent. [3] T. gallmanni is a cryptic species that closely resembles other species in the genus Tomopterna . [3] [4] It can be differentiated from similar species by its smooth ventral surface that becomes coarsely granular towards the thighs and vent. [3] The tadpoles of this species are unknown. [1] [3]
The advertisement call of Tomopterna gallmanni consists of a series of notes, each composed of one or two pulses, that resembles a knocking sound. [3] [2] Males call from the edges of temporary pools and eggs are laid singly. [2] This species is abundant at breeding sites and has been recorded alongside Ptychadena anchietae and Ptychadena mascareniensis . [3] It is known to burrow underground during periods of persistent dry weather. [2]
