DYSCOPHUS
(aka Tomato Frogs)
The Tomato Frogs are a family of rather large, bright orange/red frogs that are (you guessed it!) found no where in the world outside of Madagascar.
When threatened, the frogs puff themselves up, so they appear even more tomato-like. This seems, to me, like not the greatest defence mechanism. "Hey, this thing looks kind of like a tasty fruit. WHOA! It just got even bigger! Now it looks like a really big, juicy, tasty fruit!" *CHOMP*
If something does chow down on a tomato frog, however, a secondary defence mechanism kicks in. The skin of the frog begins to secrete a toxin which causes the predator's eyes and mouth to "gum up." The predator will then release the frog while it rubs its eyes like a sad school child, and the frog is free to hop away and live another day.
I'm now imagining Neville Longbottom replacing his lost toad with a tomato frog. It would be the perfect mascot for Gryffindor!
No comments:
Post a Comment