The cape rain frog or giant rain frog (Breviceps gibbosus) is a species of frog in the family Brevicipitidae. Adults grow up to 45 mm in length. It was the first African frog species to be scientifically described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, under the name Rana gibbosa. It is the most common and largest of rain frogs. The name "rain frog" that is applied to the genus refers to a belief that these frogs bring rain. Distribution and habitat The species is endemic to South Africa, where it occurs in the far southwestern Cape, in Cape Town and northwards as far as Citrusdal. In this area it inhabits Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, known as fynbos, renosterveld, pastureland on farms, rural gardens, and even urban areas. It seems to adapt well to suburban gardens, but like most frog species it is vulnerable to herbicide poisons and domestic pets. Physiology Breviceps gibbosus is part of the family Brevicipitidae. All species in this family of frog are considered terrestrial breeders by laying and burrowing eggs. The cape rain frog exhibits a rounded shape, with short arms. There are sexual dimorphisms between sexes, the females are larger in size compared to the males. Cape rain frogs are about 2 inches (4.5 cm) in length, with legs shorter than their bodies. Physical distinctions include brown skin with a white dotted pattern on their stomachs, they have forward facing eyes and lack webbing between their toes. The African rain frogs are also known as narrow mouth toads, due to the small mouth and narrow head that they possess. Cape rain frogs exhibit a unique calling sound, a series of short intervals of squawking is produced by burrowing males during mating season. Mating physiology The African cape rain frog possesses special glands that secrete a glue-like substance used for amplexus. These adhesive glands are located on the pectoral region of male frogs and on the dorsum of female frogs. Studies suggest these adhesive glands have evolved independently. The females of this species have a higher concentration of the adhesive glands than the males. These glands assist mating pairs in sticking to one another during sexual reproduction. Ecology The Cape rain frog lives underground and usually emerges just before rains (whence it got its common name). It may also be seen in misty or damp conditions. Its burrowing provides a role in aerating soil in the southwestern Cape.