WEEPING DWARF FROG Physalaemus biligonijerus
Frogs of the genus Physalaemus are widespread and common and are locally nicknamed "racing car frogs" on account of their strange songs which sound just like a racing car speeding past! Males croak whilst floating in shallow water, tilting backwards and forwards as they pound out their rhythm! They are burrowing frogs and possess a tubercle on the foot which acts as a sort of "spade". The two black spots at the base of the legs are used as a defence against predators, the frogs raising up the hind parts so that they look like two eyes, hence the alternative name "False-eyed Frog". Note the shortened snout of this species, a useful identification character when separating from other members of the genus.
FIGURE 1 - Adult lateral view, Laguna Capitán, Cuenca Upper Yacaré Sur (Paul Smith September 2006).
FIGURE 2 - Dorsal view of same individual (Paul Smith September 2006).
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