Sclerophrys maculata (Hallowell, 1854)

Segniagbeto, Gabriel Hoinsoudé, Ohler, Annemarie, Rödel, Mark-Oliver, Luiselli, Luca & Dubois, Alain, 2024, Amphibians of Togo: taxonomy, distribution and conservation status, Zoosystema 46 (25), pp. 631-670 : 639

Sclerophrys maculata (Hallowell, 1854)

( Fig. 4A )

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — Togo • 2 ♂; Kara; MNHN-RA-2006.2183, MNHN-RA-2006.2186 • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Koumoungou (near Naboulgou); MNHN-RA-2006.2182, MNHN-RA-2006.2185 • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Kpalimé ; MNHN-RA-2006.2184, MNHN-RA-2006.2187 • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Yégué ; Coll. GHS-W 0644, Coll. GHS-W 0645 .

DESCRIPTION. — Large to medium sized toad (SVL 48.5-61 mm ♂, 56.4-65 mm ♀). Very short hind legs (TL 35-41% SVL). Snout rounded. Head wider than long (HW 33-43% SVL; HL 27-37% SVL). Tympanum distinct (TYD 6-9% SVL). Webbing present, small, leaving three phalanges free; webbing formula: I 1 ½ – 2 II 1 ½ – 2 III 2 – 3 IV 3 – 1 V. Skin with horny spinules on dorsal parts (back, flanks, thighs, legs), belly granular. Parotoid glands elongate and flat, with spiny warts, close to eyelid.

COLOURATION. — The dorsal colouration is ochre brown with dark, gray, beige and whitish spots of irregular shapes. The dorsal sides of the forearm, thigh and tibia have the same colour as the back. Belly, chest and throat are whitish. Breeding males may become bright yellow depending on the habitats.

SEXUAL DIMORPHISM. — Males have a subgular vocal sac, indicated by a black-yellow colouration. Males have stronger forelegs than females and black nuptial pads on the thumbs and dorsal part of digit II.

HABITATS AND DISTRIBUTION. — Very common in ecological zones IV and II, this toad is often present in degraded, open or dry forest ecosystems. The species is also found in ecological zones I, III and V of the country ( Segniagbeto et al. 2022). Pujol & Exbrayat (2002) and Hillers et al. (2009) reported its distribution in Kpalimé, Badou and Adélé areas.

Figures

FIG. 4. — Representatives of anuran species from Togo in life: A, Sclerophrys maculata (Hallowell, 1854) (Kalaré, Fazao Malfakassa); B, Sclerophrys regularis (Reuss, 1833) (Adjarala); C, Sclerophrys togoensis (Ahl, 1924) (Diguendue); D, Conraua derooi Hulselmans, 1972 (Yikpa-Dzigbe); E, Hoplobatrachus occipitalis (Günther, 1859) (Akloa); F, Hemisus marmoratus (Peters, 1854) (Kpalimé).