False-eyed frogs are terrestrial, or ground-living, frogs of South America. They are carnivorous, or meat-eating, creatures which live on a diet of insects and other creatures smaller than themselves.
These frogs were given the name false-eyed frogs for the bright blue eyespots on their rumps. When alarmed by unfriendly animals, false-eyed frogs turn their bodies around and point their rumps at their attackers. Many animals, especially reptiles, are frightened away by these displays. However, some animals are not so easily swayed. If the eyespots do not rid the frogs of their attackers, false-eyed frogs resort to producing a very unpleasant smell. Their bodies produce a thick, smelly ooze from near their eyespots. This substance and smell usually force away even the bravest predators.
False-eyed frogs have light-grey skin with beige and brown swirled markings. They generally grow to be between one and six inches (3 and 15 centimeters) long.
It is not known exactly when mating takes place for false-eyed frogs. Sometime after mating, the females gather together on a branch overhanging a pool or pond. This is where they form their foam nests. They deposit their eggs onto this branch along with a substance which they beat into the foam. The eggs develop into tadpoles inside the foam. They then hatch free and slide down into the water where they eventually change, or metamorphose, into their adult forms.
The life span of false-eyed frogs is unknown.
Source: Encyclopedia of Animals
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