ID on a petshop specimen

[Lasher]

I'm hoping you guys can give me a hand with an ID. I dopped by my local petshop today which keeps some amphibians and saw... something. I dont have a photo, but will describe it as fully as I can.
I chatted to the owner at length, he wasnt sure of the species, but thought the name included 'vermicul-something, ite or atus ir arae'. It's not often I come accross a frog and cant place at least the genus if not species but I'm a bit lost on this one.

There were two spciemens, I'd estimate 1 - 2 inchs in length. They had quite large pronounced eyes dark brown in colour with golden flecks(that is large, not huge). The back and flanks were mid-dark brown in colour, patterned, with distinct marbelling on the flanks and a very pale(almost white) under belly. Toes are long, webbed, with large pads. One was stuck right on the front of the tank, so I'd assume good climbers. The 'hump' was very defined in both individuals.

I've never seen a frog like this in a pet store here and am seriously considering going back for them saturday. I've spent several hours scouring the web, the closest description I can find is phase 2 Leptopelis Vermiculatus, but the body shape doesnt look quite right, does anyone have any suggestions what else they may be?

They're selling them for 15 pounds each, would love to have them as they're new to me but would definatley prefer a good idea of what they are frst if anyone can help.

 

[John]

No offense but the description matches a lot of frogs, at least to my mind. Ask the pet shop owner if you can take a photo to get an identification confirmation?

 

[Lasher]

No offense but the description matches a lot of frogs, at least to my mind. Ask the pet shop owner if you can take a photo to get an identification confirmation?

I've just read my post back, your right, it does sound rather general. Is there somthing specific I could describe that would help? I didnt want to ramble on for pages.
They were closing early today and I'm working tomorrow so I wouldnt be able to get down before saturday for a photo, which is when I'm hoping to buy them. Its quite difficult to find interesting frogs for sale around here so I really dont want to miss this opportunity(to the degree that I'm willing to buy an animal which is likely wild caught which I try to avoid wherever possible).

 

[Bellabelloo]

I think vermiculite is a type of gravel/ mineral...

 

[Lasher]

It is indeed a mineral, obviouslly the frog is animal. I know the kings of England, and I can quote the fights historical. Just need a vegetable.

 

[blueberlin]

verMicul* or verNicul*?

Edit: Never mind, I can't find anything either way, sorry.

-Eva

 

[lestat]

What about the body type did not match Leptopelis vermiculatus? There is a small amount of variation within the species, and there are a TON of different Leptopelis species. They are often IDed incorrectly, so it's possible that they were sold to the pet store as L vermiculatus when they're actually some other Leptopelis species.

 

[Lasher]

The body was higher and somewhat bulkier than any other L Vermiculatus of the same size I have seen before. Also the curve of the back was more pronounced and the structure of the body looked overall alot bulkier.
Having said that I've only ever seen green(juvenile) specimens before.

 

[lestat]

Possibly a female, rather than the more common males. Without a picture it's pretty hard to do anything but guess.

 

[Lasher]

I think perhaps they're adult females. The only ones I've seen before were juveniles, and likely male. I'm off to get them now, whatever they are they're too cute and unusual(to me) to pass up on the opportunity. I'll try and get some decent photo's this afternoon.

 

[Lasher]

These two are about as cooperative as me when theres a camera about!
One of them has managed to find a tiny gap under the plant pot hide and dug in, I can only see a toe.
This is the larger of the pair(which I think is female) which seems much more active on the ground.

I know the photo quality isnt the best, its not a good camera and its a cheap plastic tank(temp for two weeks so I can get and assemble a suitable arboreal tank for them).

 

[lestat]

Looks like a L vermiculatus male to me. The females are generally very very fat.

Here's a female:

And a male:

 

[Lasher]

Thank you. At least I was right on the species!

 

[Lasher]

I was laying in bed trying to sleep just now, I swear I heard these two calling. An odd 'wha wha' sound, repeated 10-12 times. I cant think of anything else that could possibly make such a odd noise. I crept out of bed in the dark to try and catch them in the act but they stopped when I tripped over a shoe. Went to the loo, laid back down and "Tok tok" five or six times. Its gotta be them.
Also saw one of them, um, break wind(seriously!) in the water bowl earlier!

Had to share, so glad I got the little fella's

 

[lestat]

They have a couple different calls. The more common one sounds almost like a kitten at times. That might be the first one you heard... it's kinda hard to explain sounds in writing. lol The second sound is a series of little grunts that can escalate into croaking. Supposedly that sound is to deter other males, but I haven't seen any more than word-of-mouth for that little "fact".

 

[Lasher]

I've heard younger ones make a 'tok tok' sound before. Half the fun is in trying to guess how to spell frog noises
If they are both males that would fit.

 

[lestat]

It would be nice if I had the equipment to record their noises... Of course, they wouldn't cooperate very well. It is very likely that they are both males. I've been trying to get together a breeding group for over a year and have only been able to find one female in that time.