Argentine Horned Frogベルツノガエル

Species Data

Classification

Anura / Ceratophryidae Source

Distribution

Endemic to the grasslands of Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. Source

Did You Know?

• Its enormous mouth—accounting for roughly half its overall body size—and its habit of trying to swallow anything that moves within reach have earned it the nickname "Pacman frog." Source
• It hunts by burying itself halfway into the soil and ambushing prey that wanders within striking distance. Source
• Its tadpoles have been documented emitting distress calls when attacked both underwater and above water, marking the first reported case of acoustic communication in any tadpole, invertebrate larvae included. Source

FAQ

Why is the Argentine horned frog called the Pacman frog?

Its mouth is enormous relative to its body—roughly half its overall size—and it will attempt to swallow almost anything that comes within striking range, a resemblance to the arcade character that gave rise to the nickname. Source

How does the Argentine horned frog hunt?

It buries itself about halfway into the soil, staying motionless and camouflaged, then ambushes insects, rodents, and other frogs that wander close enough to strike. Source

Can this frog's tadpoles make sounds?

Yes—when attacked, their tadpoles emit distress calls both underwater and above the surface, the first documented example of acoustic communication in any tadpole, including invertebrate larvae. Source