Ian Harris

5/25/2009
Period 2
Tomato Frog
Dyscophus antongilii

Description:
The Tomato frog female is a vibrant red-orange color, while males tend to be a
dull orange. Both sexes have a pale underside and often have black spots on their
throats. Males are much smaller than the females, with a measurement of 2 to 2.5
inches. Females can be double the size at 3 to 4 inches.
Distribution:
Tomato frogs are found in the northwestern part of Madagascar, from Antongil
Bay in the north to Andevoranto in the south.
Habitat:
The Tomato frog inhabits shallow water, swamps, and ditches near farms and
towns. It is listed as threatened due to rapid habitat loss on the island.
Food:
Any small invertebrate (arthropod) that crawls into the Tomato Frog’s ambush
zone will be swept up. The Tomato frog will burrow in soil, revealing only its eyes, and
wait for its unsuspecting prey.
Comments:
Male Tomato frogs can be heard during the nights of February through March
following heavy rainfall. They are calling out to potential mates since the rain has
provided hatching grounds for offspring. The colorful skin of the frog is warning to
predators that it is poisonous. When a predator attempts to eat the Tomato frog a white
substance will emanate from the frog’s skin. What is unique about the substance is that
it is not a poison, it is a glue. The predator will free the Tomato frog since it is frightened
by the gummy layer on its eyes and mouth. Antongilii in the Tomato frog’s scientific
name refers to Antongil Bay.