Ceratophrys cranwelli

Description

Cranwell's Horned Frog is a terrestrial frog native to the dry Gran Chaco region of Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Brazil. They are often called Pacman Frogs because of their resemblance to the popular video game character. The Pacman Frog’s dark color scheme aids in camouflaging it as it burrows and waits for its prey. Though generally inactive, they are aggressive eaters, and are capable of leaping for several body lengths in order to capture prey. At extreme temperatures, these frogs enter a period of estivation, developing a thick layer of protective skin to trap moisture and aid in respiration. When estivation is complete, the frog uses its front and hind legs to help shed the protective layer. In many cases, the frog uses its jaws to help pull the skin over its back, often eating the skin in the process. This is a 3-D printed, hand-painted model.


Object Information

Place of Creation/Discovery:

Argentina: Salta: Embarcacion

Kingdom:

Animalia

Phylum:

Chordata

Class:

Amphibia

Order:

Anura

Family:

Leptodactylidae

Genus:

Ceratophrys

Species:

cranwelli

Scientific Name:

Ceratophrys cranwelli

Common Name:

Cranwell's Horned Frog or Pacman Frog