Scientific Name: Leptobrachium hendricksoni
Family: Megophryidae
Classification: Amphibia (Anura)
Toxicity Level: Mild
Origin: Southeast Asia (Southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra)
Adult Size: 4 – 7 cm (1.5 – 2.8 inches)
Lifespan: 5 – 8 years
Diet: Insectivore (Earthworms, crickets, roaches, beetles)
The Red-Eyed Litter Frog is a stout, ground-dwelling amphibian that looks almost like a cartoon character come to life. They possess a rounded, dumpy body with short, spindly limbs and smooth, dark purple-grey skin. Their most defining feature is their striking eyes—large and bulging with a vibrant bright orange or deep red upper iris, which contrasts heavily against their dark body color. As "Litter Frogs," they are masters of camouflage within the dead leaves of the forest floor.
Notes: This species is strictly terrestrial and fossorial, often burrowing partially into soft substrate or hiding under logs. They are not agile jumpers; instead, they waddle or crawl, making them clumsy but endearing. Males are known for their loud, resonant call that sounds like a deep "whoop" or "croak," which is surprisingly loud for their size.
Why Source This Species:
"Oddball" Appeal: Their comical, chubby appearance and intense red eyes make them a favorite among collectors of weird and unique amphibians.
Low Maintenance: They are relatively sedentary and do not require large water features or complex climbing structures, making them easy to house in simple terrestrial setups.
Character: Their clumsy movements and bold feeding response (often lunging at food) give them a lot of personality compared to more skittish species.
Malaysia
