Indian Marbled Balloon Frog

Common name: Indian Marbled Balloon Frog

Scientific name: Uperodon systoma

Photo credit: B. S. Karthikeyan
Photo shot at: Opposite to Bharathidasan Statue, BDU

This is a species of narrow-mouthed frog which buries itself in soil. These frogs can be observed in a number of habitats, such as dry forests, plains, gardens, and agricultural areas. Adults are only seen during the summer monsoons; otherwise they retreat into the soil. Feeding may be concentrated to rainy nights during the monsoon when termites emerge to swarm. Breeding takes place during the monsoon rains when the males call from the banks of streams and paddy fields. Eggs are laid in water where they float.