Ptychadenidae

The Ptychadenidae is a family of frogs within the order Anura. This family is native to sub-Saharan Africa and is characterized by a distinct group of species. The Ptychadenidae comprise 19 recognized species, which are primarily found in the savannas, grasslands, and wetlands of various African countries.

The genus Ptychadena, which accounts for most of the species within this family, is often referred to as the spiny reed frogs. These frogs are known for their distinctive snout shape and spines located on their back, sides, and flanks. They exhibit adaptations to living in environments with shallow water bodies and high humidity. Feeding behaviors for these frogs mainly consist of eating small invertebrates, plankton, and other minor organisms.

An important classification change occurred in the 1980s, when shorter phylogenetic relationships were discovered through the wider distribution of crickle frogs. A separate set of genera emerged that, initially, were considered to be part of the Ptychadenidae, specifically Hemisus and Arthroleptella. These are small, generally burrowing species, and their classification amidst the Ptychadenidae has not been universally accepted.

A behavior observed among the species within this family is loco movement, often occurring as mass gatherings. This behavior involves the collective relocation of the species from one location to another, observed during wet seasons and appearing to reflect their predilection for body of water environments.