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Description
Marbled Snout-Burrower Frog
Scientific Name: Hemisus marmoratus
Common Name: Marbled Snout-Burrower Frog
Species Overview
Size: Adults typically reach 1.5–2.5 inches (4–6 cm) in length, with females slightly larger than males.
Appearance: Marbled Snout-Burrower Frogs have a small, stout, and rounded body with a pointed snout specialized for digging. Dorsal coloration is marbled brown, tan, and cream, providing excellent camouflage among soil and leaf litter. Limbs are short but strong, with spade-like toes for burrowing.
Distribution: Native to sub-Saharan Africa, including countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. They inhabit savannas, grasslands, and forest edges.
Habitat: Fossorial and terrestrial, spending most of their time buried underground. They emerge primarily during the rainy season to feed and breed.
Behaviour: Ambush predator feeding on insects and small invertebrates. Generally secretive and sedentary, relying on burrowing for protection.
Captive Care
Enclosure: A single adult should be housed in a 12 × 12 × 12 inches (30 × 30 × 30 cm) enclosure with a deep substrate (3–4 inches / 8–10 cm) of soil or coco fibre for burrowing. Larger adults may benefit from an 18 × 18 × 12 inches (45 × 45 × 30 cm) enclosure for additional floor space. Include leaf litter, moss, and low hides for security.
Temperature and Humidity:
Warm area: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
Cool area: 70–75°F (21–24°C)
Humidity: 60–75%, maintained with regular misting and a damp substrate.
Lighting: Low-intensity lighting with a 12-hour light cycle. Low-level UVB may be beneficial but is not essential.
Diet: Feed small insects such as crickets, roaches, and worms. Prey should be appropriately sized, gut-loaded, and dusted with calcium; multivitamins provided periodically.
Behaviour in Captivity: Mostly sedentary and buried in substrate. Emerges primarily for feeding. Handling should be minimal to reduce stress.
Special Considerations:
• Maintain a deep substrate suitable for burrowing
• Provide hiding areas and leaf litter
• Avoid excessive handling
Taxonomy Note
Marbled Snout-Burrower Frogs belong to the genus Hemisus, part of the family Hemisotidae, a group of small, fossorial frogs native to Africa. Members of this family are characterized by their pointed snouts, burrowing adaptations, and cryptic coloration. Hemisus marmoratus is prized for its distinctive marbled patterns, specialized burrowing behavior, and secretive lifestyle.
Genetics Note
Naturally occurring species with no recognized captive-bred morphs.