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