If you're out during a desert rainstorm and hear something that sounds like a squeaky toy, don't panic. You might be hearing the rain frog —a tiny, burrowing amphibian that spends most of its life hidden underground.

Rain frogs aren't just one species. They're a group of small, round-bodied frogs with short limbs and a serious case of stage fright. These frogs are found only in sub-Saharan Africa, with those from southern Africa getting the most attention.

Some of them, like the black rain frog ( Breviceps fuscus ), look perpetually angry thanks to their frowny faces and stout bodies. Others, like the desert rain frog ( Breviceps macrops ), are known for their translucent skin and high-pitched defensive calls.

What Makes a Rain Frog a Rain Frog?

Rain frogs belong to the Brevicip

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