Lepidobatrachus

Taxobox
name = "Lepidobatrachus"

---

image_size = 240px
image_caption = Budgett's frog, "Lepidobatrachus laevis"
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Lissamphibia
ordo = Anura
subordo = Neobatrachia
familia = Leptodactylidae
subfamilia = Ceratophryinae
genus = "Lepidobatrachus"
genus_authority = Budgett, 1899
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = 3 species, see article.

"Lepidobatrachus" is a genus of leptodactylid frogs. They are commonly (and collectively) referred to as Budgett's frogs, in honor of the scientist who described the genus.

Geographic range

Budgett's frogs are found in South America, in the countries of Paraguay, Argentina, and Bolivia.

Description

"Lepidobatrachus" frogs are generally a light, olive green in color, sometimes with lighter green or yellow mottling. They are capable of growing to an adult size of 11cm. They have a rounded, flattened body with eyes set high on their head, giving them a blob-like appearance. They have short limbs, which do not make them particularly efficient swimmers. They do not have teeth, but they do have two sharp protrusions inside their large mouth which serve the same purpose.

Behaviour & Diet

Budgett's frogs are highly intelligent and aggressive creatures. Utilising the two sharp protrusions in their mouth allows them to attack prey and predator alike.

This frog is also known as the "Freddy Kruger" frog, because when frightened, it will open it's disproportionately large mouth and emit a shrill scream. It has even been known to bite when cornered by a human or predator. [ [http://www.aqua.org/frogs/choir_budgettsfrog.html Budgett's Frog ] ]

In captivity

Due to habitat destruction, the Budgett's frog is on the verge of being listed as a threatened species [http://www.redlist.org/search/details.php?species=57110] , but they are fairly common in captivity, and are captive bred for the exotic pet trade. The most commonly available species is "L. laevis". Due to their comical appearance, they tend to make an attractive option for the intermediate to advanced amphibian keeper.

pecies

There are three different species:

Genus "Lepidobatrachus" (Budgett, 1899)

Notes

External links

* [http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/frogs/featured/bigbark.php American Museum of Natural History: Big Bark, Big Bite]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG4xikGFgCY&NR=1 Video of Budgett's frog eating crickets]
* [http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1786413 A Budgett frog being provoked by a human]