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  PIPIDAE FROGS  
  Calls of "Clicks"  
 
In the Sub Sahara and tropical South America lives a family of 30 species of frogs with a peculiarity. They belong to the family Pipidae and are tongue less.

The wide mouth leads into a gaping buccal cavity. The voice box of these frogs is bony with two rods that produce a clicking sound. The click calls of these frogs are an advertisement to predators.

The frogs are completely aquatic. The body is flat and the legs are extended laterally to make the frog remain afloat. The feet are fully webbed that aid in swimming. The body has a sensory lateral- line system similar to the one found in fishes. With this, the frog can detect vibrations in water and know its prey and predator movements.

Pipid frogs are found in all varieties of aquatic habitats. They are so well adapted to aquatic life, they are seldom seen on land where they find movement very difficult. The frogs feed on small invertebrates, fishes and tadpoles. Their small eyes located on top of the head are pointed upwards. The frogs can remain submerged below the water surface with the eyes peering out.

The African clawed frog has fingers ending in claws. The finger tips of Surinam toads end in a star shaped sensory structure. One noteworthy species of the pipid frogs is Xenopus laevis. This frog was exported worldwide beginning in 1930s. The frog was used for pregnancy tests. The species became wide spread because of this use. It soon became a pest and had to be banned in states like California and Arizona.

In the Asian countries however, despite the advancements in medicine, frog test for pregnancy confirmation is still in practice.

The pipid frogs lay eggs on aquatic vegetation. Eggs hatch in 3 to 4 days. The tadpoles have long barbels similar to catfish. They suspend themselves in water feeding on microscopic organisms and undergo metamorphosis lasting two to three weeks.

During breeding season, when groups of males begin calling, the chorus of ‘click’ sounds may become quite annoying to the human ear. But the female like the songs.

  
 
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