Leapin’ liz- er, amphibians! Even when they’re not jumping, these 7 amazing frogs will kick your appreciation for nature’s wonder into high gear.
Tiger Leg Monkey Frog
The Tiger Leg Monkey Frog (Phyllomedusa tomopterna) can be found in the upper reaches of the Amazonian rainforest, where they risk overexposure to the intense rays of the tropic sun. Although this strikingly patterned tree frog is officially listed by IUCN as being of Least Concern, its future is overshadowed by threats posed by increasing levels of human activity. (images via Bernard DUPONT at top and Santiago Ron above)
* Fun Frog Fact: Tiger Leg Monkey Frogs have adapted to life in the treetops by secreting a waxy substance that acts as a natural sunscreen.
Cocoa Frog
The Cocoa Frog (Litoria mira), discovered very recently living deep in the impenetrable rainforests of New Guinea, has rich brown skin that immediately reminded researchers of delicious chocolate and cocoa. A team of explorers led by Steve Richards, a frog specialist with the South Australian Museum, and Paul Oliver, from the Queensland Museum and Griffith University, first spotted this large tree frog in 2016. Subsequent analysis and genetic testing revealed the cocoa-colored frogs to be a new species. Their discovery was officially announced in a paper published in the Australian Journal of Zoology. (image via CSIRO)
* Fun Frog Fact: The second part of this frog’s scientific name is derived from the Latin adjective “mirum”, meaning “surprised” or “strange”. It refers not to the frogs, but to the scientists who were surprised to find a previously undescribed member of the well-known Litoria genus of tree frogs.
Madagascar Tomato Frog
The Madagascar Tomato Frog (Dyscophus antongilii) is a large frog whose skin color ranges from yellow-orange to orange-red, with males tending toward the former and females the latter. One might assume the Madagascar Tomato Frog’s conspicuous coloration indicates some sort of toxicity, as is the case with many species of brightly colored South American “poison dart” frogs. Not the case – but this rotund and ruddy African amphibian has other ways to put potential predators in a sticky situation. (image via Frank Vassen)
* Fun Frog Fact: When attacked, the Madagascar Tomato Frog secretes a white viscous liquid that acts as a sort of organic krazy glue. It’s an ingenious way to let predators know their next meal could just might be their last.
Ever wonder why – or where – the frog crossed the road? Check out Eclectic Avenue: 10 Weird Animal Crossing Signs!
