Microhylid Frogs

Microhylid frogs are a rich genus of frogs that rarely exceed an inch in length, although some genera are larger (such as Kaloula). They occur widely over Southeast Asia in Malaysia, Borneo, Indonesia and the Philippines. These frogs are mostly terrestial, sometimes fossorial, and live close to streams and pools of water in lowland to mid-level rainforest, though there are also arboreal and montane species (such as Metaphrynella pollicaris, often found inside watered tree holes in highland habitats).

Microhylid frogs are characterised by their stout shape, small size, short limbs and pointed snout. Some species have an especially very narrow mouth and a triangular shape, indicating a diet of tiny insects such as ants as well as a burrowing lifestyle. Microhylid frogs are common across lowland forest in Peninsular Malaysia. Periods of rainfall often bring these frogs out of the open on the forest floor, otherwise they will mostly stick to leaf litter or small burrows.