Biology:Kassina

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Short description: Genus of amphibians

Kassina
Kassina maculuata.jpg
red-legged running frog
Kassina maculata
Scientific classification e
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Hyperoliidae
Genus: Kassina
Girard, 1853
Synonyms

Eremiophilus Fitzinger, 1843 (suppressed name)
Hylambates Duméril, 1853
Cassiniopsis Monard, 1937 "1936"

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]

Species

The following species are recognized in the genus Kassina:[1][3]


In captivity

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]

Research

It is the source of "kassinin", a frequently studied tachykinin peptide.[7]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Frost, Darrel R. (2016). "Kassina Girard, 1853". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. http://research.amnh.org/vz/herpetology/amphibia/Amphibia/Anura/Hyperoliidae/Kassina. 
  2. Ahn, A. N.; E. Furrow; A. A. Biewener (2004). "Walking and running in the red-legged running frog, Kassina maculata". Journal of Experimental Biology 207 (3): 399–410. doi:10.1242/jeb.00761. PMID 14691087. 
  3. "Hyperoliidae". AmphibiaWeb: Information on amphibian biology and conservation. [web application]. Berkeley, California: AmphibiaWeb. 2016. http://www.amphibiaweb.org/lists/Hyperoliidae.shtml. 
  4. "Red-Legged Walking Frog Kassina maculata". 2018-08-30. http://reptileapartment.com/red-legged-walking-frog-kassina-maculata/. 
  5. "Understanding Dusting and Gut-loading, why it may be necessary, it's risks and pitfalls - Timberline" (in en). http://timberlinefresh.com/blog/understanding-dusting-and-gut-loading-why-it-may-be-necessary-its-risks-and-pitfalls/. 
  6. "Kassina sp. - breeding" (in en). Frog Forum. http://www.frogforum.net/showthread.php/30086-Kassina-sp-breeding?highlight=kassina. 
  7. "Effects of kassinin, a tachykinin of the skin of the African frog Kassina senegalensis, on body fluid homeostasis in rats". Pharmacological Research Communications. 20 Suppl 5: 67–70. 1988. doi:10.1016/S0031-6989(88)80843-9. PMID 3247356. 

External links

Wikidata ☰ Q938406 entry