New Guinea Bush Frog

About the New Guinea Bush Frog

Asterophrys turpicola (common name: New Guinea bush frog) is a species of frog in the family Microhylidae. It is widespread in New Guinea and found in both West Papua (Indonesia) and Papua New Guinea, although it appears to be absent from the eastern half of Papua New Guinea. It also occurs on the island of Yapen, off the north-western coast of New Guinea. The species is known for its aggressive behaviour: it can attack and bite viciously.

Asterophrys turpicola grows to a maximum size of 65 mm (2.6 in) in snout–vent length. The head is very broad, as wide as the body. There is an elongated, spine-like tubercle on each eyelid, and two prominent tubercles on the lower jaw. The tongue is blue. The fingers and toes have expanded discs. The colouration is drab with shades of brown and black, but the hands and feet are pigmented. The limbs and sides of the body bears warts.

Asterophrys turpicola shows unusual defensive behaviours: when threatened, the frog takes an aggressive posture, inflating its body and opening its mouth widely, thus exposing its blue tongue. It may also attack the enemy, leaping forward with its mouth open and biting the potential predator... Wikipedia →