Pyxicephalus Differences

[tgampper]

It seems that many people who keep African bullfrogs are having diffiulties telling the two species apart. First, the popular names are confusing. In Africa, Pyxicephalus adspursus , the "African Bullfrog (in U.S.)" is known as the Giant Bullfrog, while its smaller cousin, Pyxicephalus edulis is known as the African Bullfrog. The second problem is the assignment of new scientific names.

Subfamily: Pyxicephalinae
Genus: Pyxicephalus
* Species: Pyxicephalus adspersus Tschudi, 1838
**Synonym: Pyxicephalus adspersus adspersus Parry, 1982
*Species: Pyxicephalus edulis Peters, 1854
**Synonym: Pyxicephalus adspersus angusticeps Parry, 1982

Source: Frost, Darrel R. 2010. Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 5.4 (8 April, 2010). Electronic Database accessible at Amphibian Species of the World
American Museum of Natural History, New York, USA.

OK, time to eliminate the confusion.

Pyxicephalus adspersus

1. Upper jaw withour irregular vertical pale bars
2. No white spot on tympanum (ear drum)
3. No pale interorbital bar
4. Distance from eye to tympanum is about twice the diameter of the eye

Pyxicephalus edulis

1. Upper jaw with irregular pale bars
2. White spot on tympanum
3. Distance from eye to tympanum is about the same as the diameter of the eye

There is a third species, Pyxicephalus obbianus (Calabresi's Bullfrog) that I have not seen in the pet tade and is endemic to Somalia. At one time, the genus Pyxicephalus had about 12 species, most of the smaller species moving into the genus Tomopterna (or sand frogs, native to Africa and India).

I hope this helps

[John]

Thanks for posting this Terry. I think the story is a lot more complicated than this though. I've personally seen several frogs of Southern African origin that are neither Pyxicephalus adspersus nor Pyxicephalus edulis, but are certainly members of the same genus but have yet to be described by science. It's rather frustrating because these make it into the pet trade all the time.

[Amphibians]

Some pictures would definetely help, maybe a section of the caresheet could be dedicated to this? It is a shame that a majority of people posting here asking if they got a giant are told after the fact that its a dwarf.

[Tofuman]

At what age does a Dwarfs stomach start to turn orange?

[tgampper]

Thanks for posting this Terry. I think the story is a lot more complicated than this though. I've personally seen several frogs of Southern African origin that are neither Pyxicephalus adspersus nor Pyxicephalus edulis, but are certainly members of the same genus but have yet to be described by science. It's rather frustrating because these make it into the pet trade all the time.

Thanks, John! The world of amphibians is becoming more complicated as time goes by. Many species are shifting to new genera and if one does not keep up with the changes it can be very confusing.

I found a fourth species, Pyxicephalus cordofanus (nomen dubium), not much is known about it. Also, Fejervarya rufescens, this species looks very much like P.edulis.

Hildebrandtia ornata is a nice looking frog from southern Africa that is also known as Pyxicephalus ornatus.

Most of the species in Tomopterna look like smaller versions of their Pyxicephalus cousins. I wonder if these "sand frogs" are being confused as color morphs of P. edulis?

[John]

I suppose that is quite possible. We need to get some photographs so we can compare them with what's showing up in the pet trade.

[Kevin1]

WOW Thank you so much for posting this. We (pyxie enthusiasts) really needed a good explanation between the two major species.

[tgampper]

WOW Thank you so much for posting this. We (pyxie enthusiasts) really needed a good explanation between the two major species.

I agree

I've kept an African bullfrog in the past and enjoyed it being a part of my life for 20 years. It is so important that people do a little homework before buying frogs or toads so they can plan a suitable habitat for their pet. The genera Pyxicephalus and Tomopterna are in chaos as there are new species being discovered that have not yet been identified by scientists.

[pyxieBob]

Adspersus infact have a white dot on the ear drum. As do Dwarfs. Neither of them have that spot as adults,
OK, time to eliminate the confusion.

Pyxicephalus adspersus

1. Upper jaw withour irregular vertical pale bars
2. No white spot on tympanum (ear drum)
3. No pale interorbital bar
4. Distance from eye to tympanum is about twice the diameter of the eye

Pyxicephalus edulis

1. Upper jaw with irregular pale bars
2. White spot on tympanum
3. Distance from eye to tympanum is about the same as the diameter of the eye

There is a third species, Pyxicephalus obbianus (Calabresi's Bullfrog) that I have not seen in the pet tade and is endemic to Somalia. At one time, the genus Pyxicephalus had about 12 species, most of the smaller species moving into the genus Tomopterna (or sand frogs, native to Africa and India).

I hope this helps [/QUOTE]

[pixel]

hi all,

from today I have this beautiful frog.I bought it under the name Pyxicephalus adsperus.
I am afraid if its edulis.
Could you advise ?
Thanks .

[onedge30]

Pixel, your frog is an P. edulis. Why? Yellow throat, pale beige stripe down back, eye to tympanum size, and head shape.

Cheers,

[pixel]

are you sure ???

[pac]

Yea that edulis

[pyxieBob]

200% Sure that is a Dwarf, as per reasons or factors that Onedge30 described. Color of dorsal stripe, head and mouth shape, color. All of it def. Dwarf. Also see how his spots seem to have faded away in the 3rd picture, BUT his dorsal strip is still very apparent. Cool frogger tho. and I hope these posts help you.

are you sure ???