For most of the year this burrow-dwelling frog lives 1.3 to 3.7 metres under the ground in a cavity that it excavates by digging downwards, using its hindlimbs like spades to throw the soil over its back (1) (5) (6). While foraging, the purple frog actively seeks out termite prey with its touch-sensitive snout, using the robust conical-shaped head to penetrate termite tunnels before sucking up its prey with its fluted tongue. While resting, the limbs are tucked under the body in a horizontal position (5) (6).
For several weeks of the year the purple frog comes to the surface to breed (1) (2) (5). Frogs gather around pools and the sides of streams, and once partners have paired up, the male grasps the female just above the legs and, using sticky skin secretions, glues to her in amplexus (the mating embrace) (2) (5). The fertilised eggs are laid in a pool of water and will subsequently hatch into tadpoles, before going through varying stages of metamorphosis to become adult frogs (5).