#arthroleptidae

[herpsandbirds]

Hey Paxon,

some time ago I heard about the Wolverine frog or Hairy frog (Trichobatrachus robustus). I was wondering if there are any other "hairy" amphibians out there?

Thanks and love, Purple 💜

Not so far as I know!

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.

They develop these "hairs" in the breeding season.

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

Male - photograph by Gustavocarra 

Male and female in non-breeding form

photograph by Melvin TOULLEC 

[uncharismatic-fauna]

Uncharismatic Fact of the Day

Amphibians, as a rule, don't have hair, but don't tell that to the hairy frog! This species is named for the thick papillae that males develop along their sides. Although they look like hairs, the papillae actually help the frog absorb oxygen from the water, allowing the male to guard his nest of eggs for longer periods of time.

(Image: A male hairy frog (Trichobatrachus robustus) by Paul Starosta)

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[ketrinadrawsalot]

Hoppy New Year: The Arthroleptidae are a family of forest-dwelling frogs that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. One species, the hairy frog, is famous for its unusual hair-like growths and ability to create "claws" by breaking its toe bones through its skin.

[frogs-from-bogs]

Arthroleptis adolfifriederici by Bernard DUPONT

[animalids]

Hairy frog (Trichobatrachus robustus)

Photo by Paul Starosta

[herpsandbirds]

Bush Squeaker (Arthroleptis wahlbergii), family Arthroleptidae, Nkandla Forest, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

photograph by Chad Keates

[herpsandbirds]

Peacock Tree Frog (Leptopelis vermiculatus) juvenile, family Arthroleptidae, Tanzania

photograph by Bryan Minne

[herpsandbirds]

Yellow Spotted Tree Frog (Leptopelis flavomaculatus), family Arthroleptidae, Mount Mabu, Mozambique

Photograph by Tim’s Wild World