The Tomato Frog

is a bright red-orange frog from the island of Madagascar. Their bold color helps warn predators that they can produce a sticky substance from their skin when threatened.

Here are some fun facts about tomato frogs:

• Tomato frogs are named for their round shape and bright tomato-red color.

• Females are much larger than males and can grow up to about 4 inches long.

• They are mostly nocturnal, meaning they are active at night.

• Tomato frogs spend much of their time hiding in leaf litter or soft soil.

• Their sticky skin secretion can irritate the mouths and eyes of predators.

• They eat insects, worms, and other small invertebrates.

• Tomato frogs are ambush hunters — they wait quietly and quickly grab prey with their tongues.

• Tadpoles grow in shallow pools and ponds after the rainy season.

• Unlike many tree frogs, tomato frogs are ground-dwelling frogs and are not good climbers.

• Their scientific name is Dyscophus antongilii.

• Habitat loss and collection for the pet trade have affected wild populations.

A cool “did you know” fact:
Tomato frogs can puff up their bodies to look bigger when they feel threatened!