Tomato frogs are any of the three species of genus Dyscophus (family Microhylidae): D. antongilii, D. insularis, or D. guineti.[1] Dyscophus is the only genus in subfamily Dyscophinae. They are endemic to Madagascar.[2]
The common name comes from D. antongiliis bright red color. When threatened, a tomato frog puffs up its body. When a predator grabs a tomato frog in its mouth, the frog's skin secretes a thick substance that numbs up the predator's eyes and mouth, causing the predator to release the frog to free up its eyes. The gummy substance contains a toxin that occasionally causes allergic reactions in humans. The allergic reaction will not kill a human and the frog secretes it only when frightened.
The lifespan of the tomato frog can be from 6 to 8 years.[3] [4] [5] [6] [7] When adult, the colors may vary from yellowish orange to deep red. Tomato frogs will reach sexual maturity in 9–14 months. Females are larger than males and can reach 4 inches (10 cm) in length. Males can reach 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5) in length. Most females range from reddish-orange to bright dark red. The bellies are usually more yellowish, and sometimes there are black spots on the throat. But males are not as brightly colored but more of a duller orange or brownish-orange. Juveniles are also dull in color and develop brighter coloration as they mature. According to the Smithsonian National Zoo tomato frog's conservation status has been updated to that of least concern. They breed in the rainy season and are nocturnal. They tend to eat small insects and invertebrates.
There are three different species:[1]
| Image | Binomial name and author | Common name | Distribution | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dyscophus antongilii | Tomato frog | Madagascar | ||
| Dyscophus guineti | Sambava tomato frog | Madagascar | ||
| Dyscophus insularis | Antsouhy tomato frog | Madagascar | ||
Tomato frogs target prey within narrow angles by aligning their heads towards it, while projecting their tongues rapidly by transferring momentum from the lower jaw. Elastic energy stored in mouth-opening muscles amplifies mouth and tongue velocities, contingent on the alignment of the lower jaw and tongue. However, for prey at wider angles, tomato frogs align both head and tongue towards it, utilizing a hydrostatic mechanism for tongue projection. This enables capturing prey over broader angle ranges.[8]
Tomato frogs lay over 1,000 fresh eggs during every month of the year except for November. Their reproductive activity is high during the months January–May and low between the months June–December.[9]
The tadpoles hatch after around 36 hours after being laid,[10] [11] [12] [13] becoming metamorphs (froglets) after about 45 to 60 days.[14] [15]
4. Monroy, J. A., & Nishikawa, K. C. (2009-08-06). Prey location, biomechanical constraints, and motor program choice during prey capture in the tomato frog, Dyscophus Guineti - Journal of Comparative physiology A. SpringerLink. Retrieved 15 March 2024.