waxxie reblogged
Hairy Frog (Trichobatrachus robustus), male, family Arthroleptidae, found in West-central Africa
- These frogs are named for the hair-like structures of the males, that are not true hairs. They are extensions of the skin.
- These hair like structures are thought to aid in oxygen absorption in water, acting like external gills.
- Hairy frogs are capable of breaking their toe bones, and then jutting the bones through the tips of their toes. They can then use these sharp bone tips as defensive claws. (Most frogs do not possess any type of claw).
photographs by Paul Starosta
