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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