DailyFrog-TailedFrogs

𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒂𝒚! 🐸 Tailed Frogs

Aschaphus (a genus containing only two species, truei and montanus) is the only genus in a very primitive family of frogs. They’re known for the visible ‘tail’ in adulthood, making them a very unique frog. That ‘tail’, however, is only seen in male frogs, and is an extension of their cloaca. That’s right folks, these frogs have internal fertilization, making them quite unique amphibians!

In addition, they retain extra vertebra as well as residual tail-wagging muscles, despite not having actual tails as mature adults. Ascaphids can’t vocalize - no cute frog peeping here - and are incredibly small, only 1"-2" as adults.

They also secrete a series of antimicrobial peptides called ascaphins through their skin, which helps them fight bacteria such as E. coli, and shares minimal genetic characteristics with other frog peptides.

Tailed frogs prefer cold, fast-moving streams with cobblestone bottoms, and are mostly aquatic. Their tadpoles take 1-4 years to metamorphose, and eat algae, desmids, and conifer pollen. They have a unique mouth sucker that lets them grab onto rocks, helping them stay secure in fast waters.

If you like frogs, check out the Tod & Froggë Cozy RPG on Kickstarter today! 💚🐸