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Amphibians of Zihuatanejo

CLASS AMPHIBIA

Sheep Frog

Hypopachus variolosus

Hypopachus variolosus, commonly known as the Sheep Frog or Mexican Burrowing Toad, is a small, burrowing frog species found in parts of Central America, Mexico, and the southern United States. The sheep frog gets its name from the sheep-like sound of its call. The sheep frog is relatively small, usually growing between 3 to 5 cm (about 1.2 to 2 inches) in length. It prefers lowland habitats, particularly areas near temporary water bodies like marshes, ponds, or ditches. Its diet primarily consists of small invertebrates, such as ants, termites, and other small insects, which it catches using its specialized narrow mouth and sticky tongue. This frog is known for having a specialized diet focused on ants and termites.

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