Cacosternum striatum FitzSimons, 1947

Striped Dainty Frog.

(Figs. 3 O, 4 O)

Genetics. The uncorrected p within-clade variation in 16S ranges from 0.0–0.2% (n= 3). This species differs from the other 14 species by 2.5–7.3%. The sample has four likely tyr haplotypes, of which one is shared with an individual C. boettgeri.

Advertisement call. The advertisement call is a brief high-pitched chirp. A typical call (Fig. 11) shows that the pulses are arranged in doublets in the middle, with the initial and final few pulses being produced at a faster rate than the middle. The duration of this call is 0.33 s, with the 21 pulses starting at 100 s -1, slowing to 60 s -1, before speeding up slightly at the end of the call.

Morphology. These are small frogs, with females reaching 13.7 mm SUL in our sample (n=7). The vocal pouch of breeding males is pale (Fig. 4). The dorsum is smooth, lacking protruding glands. Viewed from above, the nostrils are within one nostril diameter of the anterior snout margin. The supratympanic fold continues posteriorly to form a saddle. The upper lip continues posteriorly as an indistinct interrupted rictal gland. The palm lacks supernumerary tubercles. The inner metatarsal tubercle is low, inconspicuous, as wide as the tip of the first toe. The nuptial pad of breeding males is low, inconspicuous, extending to the level of the proximal subarticular tubercle. The belly is silvery white, with some small black speckles.

Distribution. The species is widespread in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, where it has been recorded from 13 quarter-degree cells (Animal Demography Unit, University of Cape Town). Our sequenced specimens come from Mpur Forest (Fig. 9). It breeds in shallow temporary pools that may be overgrown.