Croaking is one of the most common noises frogs make. The typical loud croaking calls we hear from frogs are known as ‘advertisement calls’, and are used by frogs to advertise themselves as potential partners, for other frogs to mate with. But do female frogs croak? In the vast majority of frog species, females lack … Read more
Parental care is essential for the survival of offspring in many animal species. Usually when frogs breed both the males and females will leave the breeding site, leaving the eggs to fend for themselves. However, some species of frogs and toads provide care for their eggs and offspring. Approximately 10–20% of frog species show some … Read more
Frogs and tadpoles have skin composed of thin membranous tissue that is quite permeable to water and contains a large network of blood vessels. They use this skin to breathe, and also to absorb water to rehydrate. Their skin does not just absorb oxygen and moisture though, many chemicals used in the treatment of tap water can also be absorbed. … Read more
Amazon milk frogs (Trachycephalus resinifictrix), sometimes called mission golden-eyed tree frogs – are fairly large tree frogs native to the Amazon Rainforest in South America. These frogs are a popular pet due to their unique appearance, and docile nature. But are Amazon milk frogs poisonous? Amazon milk frogs are mildly poisonous. When stressed, they produce a milky toxic skin secretion … Read more
Most frog species are nocturnal, which means they are most active at night. They have developed several adaptations to suit this lifestyle, and one of them is night vision. Frogs can see in the dark because the structure of their eyes, and specifically their retinas, permits them better vision than humans when light levels are low. Their … Read more
All living things on the surface of the planet are exposed to ultraviolet light to some extent. Diffused and reflected UVB will penetrate into deep shade and even nocturnal creatures may be exposed to small amounts whilst hidden in their daytime retreats. Exposure to UVB allows frogs to synthesize vitamin D in their skin, which … Read more
All living things on the surface of the planet are exposed to ultraviolet light to some extent. Diffused and reflected UVB will penetrate into deep shade, so even creatures on the floor of thick rainforests may be exposed to small amounts of UVB. Exposure to UVB allows poison dart frogs to synthesize vitamin D in … Read more
Most frogs (not all), start their lives as tiny tadpoles adapted for a fully aquatic life. Over time, the tadpoles will grow legs, lose their tails, and metamorph into adult frogs. Many tadpoles have lungs that they can use to breathe air in as little as 3 days post-hatch. Air breathing is necessary for survival in waters … Read more
Frogs are amphibians, which means they live part of their lives in the water and part on land. They typically start their lives as fully aquatic tadpoles, which metamorph into mature frogs over time. In each of these life stages, they will have different diets. Frog tadpoles are mostly herbivorous and eat algae and aquatic … Read more
American green tree frogs (Hyla cinerea) are small, smooth-skinned frogs found in the central and southeastern United States, from eastern Virginia down to Florida and as far west as Texas. Like most other frogs, they are obligate carnivores as adults, which means they eat animal-based food instead of plants or vegetation. Green tree frogs are opportunistic predators – … Read more