38 



Fig. 32. Distribution of Tomopterna cryptotis. 



Biology 



Unknown for North Africa. They call at night during the 

 breeding season, which in South Africa lasts from October to 

 May. The calling males congregate in shallow pools. Eggs 

 diameter measure 1.5 mm, and the capsule that envelops it is 3 

 mm. The tadpoles hatch after three days and hide in the mud. 

 They reach a size of 39 mm total length. Metamorphosis takes 

 place at five weeks at a size of some 12 mm SVL. 



Distribution 



Ethiopian species, in the Sahara confined to the mountains 

 of Adrar (Mauritania) and Air (Niger) (Fig. 32). 



Bibliography 



Dekeyser and Villiers ( 1956) , Grillitsch et 

 Guibe (1950), Stewart (1967). 



al. (1988 



