Tiny Frog With Mushroom Growing From its Side Found In India
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In the summer of 2023, Lohit Y.T. and his team at the World Wildlife Fund-India traveled to the foothills of the Western Ghats in Karnataka, India. They hoped to research the area's amphibians and reptiles, which often emerge during the humid monsoon season. While documenting a cluster of about 40 Rao's intermediate golden-backed frogs near a small pond, the naturalists noticed something unusual. One of the amphibians had a mushroom sprouting from its side!
The tiny frog was perched at the center of a twig. The naturalists watched as it hopped to the tip. The amphibian turned around and changed positions several times. But the mushroom did not budge from its place. Mr. Lohit's team photographed the frog extensively without touching it.
"When I first observed the frog with the mushroom, I was amazed and intrigued by the sight," Mr. Lohit told CNN via email. "My thought was to document it, as this phenomenon is something we have never heard of."
The unusual discovery, revealed in the journal Reptiles and Amphibians on January 31, 2024, is puzzling scientists worldwide. Mushroom experts believe that the frog is housing a type of bonnet mushroom typically found on decaying wood and tree roots. However, they are unsure how the frog acquired its fungal friend.
Some researchers speculate the area's warm and humid weather, together with the frog's moist skin, may have provided ideal conditions for the mushroom to grow. Others think the mushroom could have grown from wood debris stuck under the frog's skin. However, neither theory can be confirmed without examining the amphibian.
Mr. Lohit and his team plan to revisit the area this summer to look for the frog.
"If we manage to find it, it'll be great," Mr. Lohit said. "The spot has been frequented by many enthusiasts and experts alike. It would be great if some researcher gets their hands on it and can further the investigation, but again, it's all highly unlikely to happen."
Rao's intermediate golden-backed frogs are endemic to Southern India. They get their name from their orangish-brown color. The tiny amphibians grow to a maximum length of about 2.46 inches (6.24 cm). Golden-backed frogs thrive in a variety of habitats, including lakes, rivers, forests, and even rice fields.
Resources: Wikipedia.org, CNN.com, journals.ku.edu
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61 Comments
lilmoonjelly3 monthsI'm a frog fan and a mushroom fan so this was so interesting for me! :}
56225007895 monthsThis is a good article for people who like amphibians and its good information for scientists.
vovajogusyfa7 monthsHOW? HOW? HOW CAN A FROG HAVE A MUSHROOM COMING OUT OF IT"S BODY?! OoO!!!!!
rishaanc8 monthsCute frog! But the mushroom growing out of it; a bit gross when you think of it.
linanyzozaco9 monthsI wonder if the frog is still alive- tydecocejoky8 monthsgood question
oreocookie6410 monthsit reminds me of that one Moriah Elizabeth character Daisy or smth. Its the toad with the bouquet on top.- 56225007895 monthsshe mentioned this in one of her recent videos and made a character off of it
zoewang10 monthsIt's weird when a mushroom grow on a frog.
davibelle10 monthsawwww its so cute
ninjaboy8710 monthsThis article is amazing for current events!- davibelle10 monthsyep definitly
lalalal15110 monthsWow! this is truly an amazing thing
