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Species Spotlight
on
Pseudis paradoxa
A.K.A. Paradoxical Frog
DESCRIPTION / COLORATION: This frog has large webbed feet and extremely slippery skin. Coloration is olive green - brown with a lighter colored belly.
SIZE: Tadpoles are 3 times as large as the adults: Adults grow to 3 inches; Tadpoles grow to 10 inches.
HOME: South America in the Amazon region and Trinidad.
HABITAT: Marshes & forest ponds. It hides under vegetation.
LIFESTYLE: Very shy & secretive; Solitary except for breeding; Aquatic: This frog breeds, feeds, and sleeps in the water.
PREDATORS: In South America, the tadpoles are eaten as delicacies by humans.
DEFENSES: When frightened, the paradoxical frog dives beneath the thick vegetation of its pond; Its slippery skin helps it to avoid being captured.
FOOD: Adults feed on small aquatic animals: insects, crustaceans. The tadpoles eat only plants.
BREEDING: Takes place during the wet season.
SPECIAL CONCERNS: This animal is so elusive that few herpetologists have had the chance to observe it.
