Mossy Frogs

Mossy frogs are a cryptic genus of frogs in Southeast Asia, occuring in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Borneo and much of the northern region. Tiny and secretive, their arboreal habitats and excellent camouflage make them relatively hard to detect by sight. In Malaysia, four species have been recorded, out of a possible nine in Southeast Asia. This genus of frogs are charaterised by their relatively small size, rough tubercles across the skin, angular snout, large eyes and distinct tymphaum.

These frogs spend most of their lives up on trees, but sometimes can be found on boulders along streams or near the ground, especially after heavy rain. They occupy all levels of rainforest; depending on the species, they may have highland or lowland preference. Mossy frogs are mostly phytothelm (hole) breeders, though Theloderma asperum has been observed breeding in an artifical plastic drum near primary rainforest.

Their warty complexion and dark colouration provides them an excellent disguise when planted on old tree bark, rendering them almost invisible. All mossy frogs share an ability to make a soft chirp in their call, though their full range of notes differ from each other. For example, Theloderma horridum makes a rapid staccato of clicking noises, while T. leprosum has a soft, intermittent moan. Mossy frogs lay a small number of eggs encases in a gelatinous substance which sticks to tree bark. The tadpoles develop and drop into the water below and eventually grow into froglets.