Kassina | |
---|---|
red-legged running frog Kassina maculata | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Amphibia |
Order: | Anura |
Family: | Hyperoliidae |
Genus: |
Kassina Girard, 1853 |
Synonyms | |
Eremiophilus Fitzinger, 1843 (suppressed name) |
Kassina is a genus of hyperoliid frogs, commonly referred to as running frogs or kassinas. They are found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. [1] They are characterized by preferring a distinctive "walking" with the back legs instead of the more traditional frog-hopping. [2]
The following species are recognized in the genus Kassina: [1] [3]
K. maculata is frequently exported from Tanzania for the exotic pet trade. They require more horizontal space than vertical, being a terrestrial species. Their captive environment should include a substrate that accommodates burrowing, and provides high humidity. K. maculata will readily eat crickets and small mealworms, [4] although insects should be dusted with a vitamin supplement. [5]
Other species of running frogs are occasionally imported, with the K. senegalensis being the next most common species in captivity. [6]
It is the source of "kassinin", a frequently studied tachykinin peptide. [7]
Kassina | |
---|---|
red-legged running frog Kassina maculata | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Amphibia |
Order: | Anura |
Family: | Hyperoliidae |
Genus: |
Kassina Girard, 1853 |
Synonyms | |
Eremiophilus Fitzinger, 1843 (suppressed name) |
Kassina is a genus of hyperoliid frogs, commonly referred to as running frogs or kassinas. They are found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. [1] They are characterized by preferring a distinctive "walking" with the back legs instead of the more traditional frog-hopping. [2]
The following species are recognized in the genus Kassina: [1] [3]
K. maculata is frequently exported from Tanzania for the exotic pet trade. They require more horizontal space than vertical, being a terrestrial species. Their captive environment should include a substrate that accommodates burrowing, and provides high humidity. K. maculata will readily eat crickets and small mealworms, [4] although insects should be dusted with a vitamin supplement. [5]
Other species of running frogs are occasionally imported, with the K. senegalensis being the next most common species in captivity. [6]
It is the source of "kassinin", a frequently studied tachykinin peptide. [7]