Rio grande escuerzo
A species of Odontophrynus Scientific name : Odontophrynus cultripes Genus : Odontophrynus
Rio grande escuerzo, A species of Odontophrynus
Scientific name: Odontophrynus cultripes
Genus: Odontophrynus
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Lucas Grandinetti , used under CC-BY-SA-2.5 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Odontophrynus cultripes (common nane: Rio Grande escuerzo) is a species of frog in the Odontophrynidae family. It is endemic to southeastern Brazil and known from Minas Gerais, Goiás, and São Paulo states. It is mostly found at altitudes higher than 800 m (2,600 ft) above sea level.
General Info
Lifespan
5-8 years
Diet
Rio grande escuerzo primarily consumes a carnivorous diet, with an inclination towards ants and termite. Further, this species also fancies small invertebrates, particularly beetles and spiders, to supplement their nutrient intake.
Appearance
Rio grande escuerzo is a medium-sized toad with a squat, robust body, and rough skin covered with wart-like tubercles. Its coloration ranges from dull brown to dark olive green, often with irregular black blotches and a lighter underside. The species is characterized by its prominently pointed snout, resembling a knife's edge, and stout hind limbs. No significant differences are observed in males and females, nor is there any change in appearance with age.
Behavior
Rio grande escuerzo is predominantly nocturnal, surfacing from underground burrows for foraging and hunting at night. It displays relatively solitary behavior, rarely interacting with its own species outside of mating season. Upon predatory threats, rio grande escuerzo employs thanatosis, or death-feigning, where it flips onto its back and goes stiff, misleading predators. It marks territory by vocal calls and physiologically adapted skin secretions.
Population
Stable
Photo By Lucas Grandinetti , used under CC-BY-SA-2.5 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Frogs and toads Family
Button frogs Genus
Odontophrynus Species
Rio grande escuerzo