Narrow-Mouthed Frogs: Microhylidae

The members of this family live in many different habitats. Most prefer hot and humid rainforests, where many live in underground burrows. Some live along but above the ground, and others spend at least part—and sometimes all—of their lives in the trees. A few species, like those with the scientific genus names of Oreophryne and Oxydactyla, live high in the mountain grasslands of New Guinea. The rain frogs of southern Africa, on the other hand, survive the dry, almost desert-like sand dunes by spending much of their time in underground burrows. These odd frogs, with their exceptionally plump bodies and four tiny legs, will venture out of their burrows during the rain or on humid nights.