Tomato frog

Taxobox | name = Tomato frog

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image_size = 240px
image_caption = Tomato Frog, "D. antongilii"
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Amphibia
ordo = Anura
familia = Microhylidae
genus = "Dyscophus"
genus_authority = Grandidier, 1872
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = See text.

The Tomato frog is any one of the three species of genus "Dyscophus" (family Microhylidae): "D. antongilii", "D. insularis", or "D. guineti". The common name comes from the frog's bright red color. When threatened, a tomato frog puffs up its body. If a predator grabs a tomato frog in its mouth, the frog's skin secretes a thick substance that gums up the predator's eyes and mouth, causing the predator to release the frog to free up its eyes. The gummy substance contains a toxin that occasionally causes allergic reactions in humans. The allergic reaction will not kill a human and the frog secretes it only when frightened. The lifespan of the Tomato Frog can be from 6 to 8 years. When adult, the colors may vary from yellowish orange to deep red. Tomato Frogs will reach sexual maturity in 9 - 14 months. Females are larger than males and can reach 4 inches in length. Males can reach 2 to 3 inches in length.Most females range from reddish-orange bright dark red. The bellies are usually more yellowish, and sometimes there are black spots on the throat. But males are not as brightly colored but more of a duller orange or brownish-orange. Juveniles are also dull in color and develop brighter coloration as they mature.

=Species= There are three different species:

External links

* [http://www.centralfloridazoo.org/animals/Tomato_frog.htm Species information]
* [http://www.umich.edu/~esupdate/library/97.09-10/wisnieski.html "D. antongilli"]
* [http://www.wildmadagascar.org/wildlife/species/Dyscophus_insularis.html Web links for "D. insularis"]
* [http://www.livingunderworld.org/gallery/photos/anura/microhylidae/dyscophus/guineti "D. guineti"]