Category: Amphibians
The Pixie Frog, also known as the African Bullfrog, is the largest species of frog in South Africa. These giants will inhale any prey they can fit in their mouth (even small mammals such as mice). They have very strong hind legs that they use to burrow into the ground, where they can go into a kind of hibernation (called aestivation) during dry summer months. In this state, the Pixie Frog is able to survive by making itself a watertight cocoon that prevents evaporation of body fluids.
Pixie Frog / African Bullfrog Related Links:
Swiss Army Skin
Amphibian skin is not covered in hair, feathers, or scales. It is thin and permeable, which allows them to actually breathe and drink through their skin! Their skin is not watertight, but they have mucous glands that produce secretions to help keep them from drying out Their skin also serves as a handy defense mechanism: nearly all amphibians have poison glands that make their skin toxic - and on top of that, it can even serve as a tasty treat after they shed it (yes, many amphibians eat their own sloughed off skin)!
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