Physalaemus nattereri

Physalaemus nattereri
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Leptodactylidae
Genus:	Physalaemus
Species:	P. nattereri
Binomial name
Physalaemus nattereri (Steindachner, 1863)
Synonyms
Eupemphix nattereri Steindachner, 1863

Physalaemus nattereri (common name: Cuyaba dwarf frog) is a frog native to central and southeastern Brazil and eastern Bolivia and Paraguay.^[2] It has two "false eyes" on its rear. The 3–4 cm frog lifts its rear end when threatened, startling predators. This trait is so dangerous and intimidating because, no matter if you're at the front or the back of the frog, it will always appear to be staring at you. If a predator does not get fooled by the eyespots, and decides to move closer, the frog can produce an unpleasant secretion that comes from glands located in the eyespots.^[3] It has short limbs, and a plump body.

Habitat

Physalaemus nattereri is a fossorial and seasonal frog. It inhabits savannas and grasslands in the Cerrado biome and is found on the ground near standing and temporary waterbodies, such as ponds and swamps.^[1]

Reproduction

A study in Bodoquena (in the Mato Grosso do Sul state of Brazil) found Physalaemus nattereri to be an explosive breeder, with most of the reproductive activity occurring within a few days after heavy rainfall. Males formed choruses to attract females but they could also actively search for females. Egg clutches were deposited in the margins of temporary ponds. Several pairs may use the same foam nest. Mean clutch size was about 3800 eggs. Females were larger (mean snout–vent length 51 mm (2.0 in), range 43–56 mm; mean body mass 19.3 g) than males (47 mm (1.9 in), range 43–55 mm; 11.4 g). Ovaries made about 22% of female body mass; fecundity increased with the female body size.^[4]

References