African Bullfrog

scientific name

Pyxicephalus adspersus

size

male 9" " female 4"
can be as big as a dinner plate

adaptations.colorations

Color: back dark green-olive green with 1-3 yellow stripes; belly cream-bright yellow; jaws cream or lightly pigmented; throat, abdomen sides & ventral limbs show strongest color
Distinctive Features. series of broken, elongated, elevated skin folds lengthwise on back & flanks
Fingers. short; blunt; free of webbing
Mouth. huge; at front of lower jaw are 3 large tooth-like projections
Toes. short; blunt
Voice. bellow; loud; roar-like
Young. may be nearly smooth

behavior

Activity. sits many hours quietly or partially buried in earth with nose exposed
Hibernation. during dry season " eyes closed & depressed to head " 10 months underground
Personality. aggressive; sometimes jumps intruder; if disturbed, inflates body & attacks with gaping jaws

reproduction/lifespan

Breed. upon emerging from hibernation when rain begins
Eggs. 3000-4000; in shallow water; hatch 2nd day

diet

Wild. anything correct size, including other frogs & even birds

habitat/range

open country; primarily low elevations; tropical Africa eastward; southward from Nigeria

status

not listed

other

considered delicacy by natives

oregon zoo exhibit

Africa Rain Forest

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