Probably the most famous member of the rubber frog family, and it’s easy to see why. Native to much of southern and central Africa, this frog is instantly recognizable thanks to its bright red or orange body with bold black bands running down its back and sides. The glossy, smooth skin makes it look almost like a living toy or a gummy candy, which is how it and its relatives earned the nickname “rubber frogs.”
Unlike many frogs that try to blend in, this one advertises its presence boldly. Its colors are a classic warning signal, letting predators know it’s toxic. The frog’s skin produces powerful defensive chemicals, making it unappetizing or dangerous for would-be attackers. In fact, its bright “banded” outfit is so effective that many predators won’t even bother trying to bite. It’s a small frog, but its wardrobe and toxins make it one of the toughest little amphibians in its environment.
Despite its flashy look, the Banded rubber frog lives a surprisingly secretive lifestyle. It spends much of its time underground, burrowing into soil or hiding under logs, leaf litter, or stones to stay moist and avoid the scorching sun. It only comes out during rainy nights, when it heads toward puddles, ditches, or temporary pools to breed. Males call with distinctive, squeaky notes to attract females, and eggs are laid in water where the tadpoles grow quickly before the pools dry out.
Because of its shiny skin and bold stripes, it’s often compared to a living jellybean or gummy frog. Its toxin-covered body means it should never be handled carelessly—though it looks adorable, it’s not as harmless as it seems. Its habit of “running” or crawling slowly instead of hopping, a trait shared with its genus, makes it look almost like it’s sneaking along rather than leaping like other frogs.
Distribution
Angola
Botswana
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Eswatini
Kenya
Malawi
Mozambique
Namibia
Somalia
South Africa
Tanzania
Zambia
ZimbabweAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
