Photo by Chris Brown

Scientific name: Xenopus laevis

Common name: African Clawed Frog

Size: 2-5.75 in (5-12.5 cm)

INTRODUCED: Native to southern Africa.

Distinguishing characters: A highly aquatic species; smooth skin; forefeet unwebbed, hindfeet fully webbed with sharp black claws on inner toes; small head with blunt snout; eyes small, lidless and turned upward; olive to brown on dorsum with darker spots, blotches or mottling; whitish on venter; head and body flattened.

Juveniles: Similar to adults.

Dimorphism: Female is larger and has cloacal flaps.

Similar Species: Should not be confused with other frog species. The only totally aquatic frog in California.

Additional notes: Introduced to the U.S. in the 1960's and feeds on native amphibian tadpoles. Will move overland at night during rains, and may show up in very unlikely places including golf course ponds, streams, ditches and lakes. Very slippery, but harmless, when handled.

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