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| The Tomato
Frog lives exclusively on the island of Madagascar. It can
be found along the northeastern coast from Antongil Bay
south to Andevoranto. They occur at elevations from sea
level to 650 feet above sea level. |
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The female Tomato frog is
larger in size and more brightly colored than the male. The female
grows to a length of three to four inches, while the male reaches
approximately two and one half inches in length. Most females
range from reddish-orange to bright dark red. Males are a duller
orange or brownish-orange. Juveniles are also dull in color and
develop brighter coloration as they mature. |
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Tomato frogs use a toxic,
whitish skin secretion as a defense against predators. This secretion
can occasionally produce allergic reactions in humans!
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Tomato frogs are primarily
terrestrial, inhabiting forests areas. They adapt well to living
in cultivated areas and are found in gardens and eucalyptus plantations. |
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The diet of the Tomato frog
consists of all sorts of insects and invertebrates. They have
been known to eat an occassional mouse! |
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Tomato frogs are mostly nocturnal.
They use an "ambush" strategy to hunt for food, burrowing
into the ground and eating passing insects. They tend not to chase
the food around but rather wait in ambush for a nearby movement! |
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| The eyes of the Tomato frog have
been described as "hypnotic". We're not so sure
about "hypnotic", but they certainly are stunning
- for frog eyes, that is! |
Tomato Frog eyes |
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Tomato Frogs breed during
the rainy season in shallow pools, swamps, drainage ditches, and
slow moving bodies of water. They lay 1,000 to 1,500 small black
and white eggs on the water surface. The tadpoles hatch 36 hours
after egg laying. Metamorphosis is complete after about 45 days.
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This species of Tomato Frog
is endangered in its native country as a result of deforestation
and over-collecting for the pet trade! |
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This species of Tomato frog
is listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade
in Endangered Species (CITES). There are two other species of
Tomato frogs in Madagascar, D. guineti and D. insularis,
neither of which are presently endangered. |
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