Oct 14, 2016
Spooktober
Vampire Flying Frog (Rhacophorus vampyrus)-
The small nocturnal tree frog can be found in the rain forests of Vietnam. It has large, webbed feet that allow it to glide for a short time. Though the adult frog has no visible teeth, the name “vampire” comes from unique keratin hooks in the mouth of the tadpole.
To hide their young, females will lay eggs in water filled trees or stumps. Because of the tadpoles’ small and secluded nest, there is little to no food source. Mother frogs make up for this by providing the tadpoles with nutrient rich, unfertilized eggs. The small fangs and large mouths help the tadpoles to latch on and swallow large and slippery eggs.
Photos: (top left) (top right) (bottom left) (bottom right)