Glyphoglossus molossus
Glyphoglossus molossus is a species of frog in the family Microhylidae.[2] Its common names include blunt-headed burrowing frog and balloon frog.[1]
| Glyphoglossus molossus | |
|---|---|
.jpg.webp) | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Microhylidae |
| Genus: | Glyphoglossus |
| Species: | G. molossus |
| Binomial name | |
| Glyphoglossus molossus Günther, 1868 | |
Distribution and habitat
Glyphoglossus molossus is found in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical seasonal forests, moist savanna, intermittent freshwater marshes, rural gardens, temporary ponds, and heavily degraded former forest.[1]
Breeding biology
These large, burrowing frogs follow the general theme of microhylids that deposit aquatic eggs over and over. There is explosive breeding activity in ephemeral water sources such as ponds and ditches. The frogs perform multiple symplectic dips to oviposit the surface films of pigmented eggs. A portion of a clutch is released with each dip, with a dip lasting for about 6 seconds. 200–300 eggs are released per dip. The ova have a dark black animal pole and a yellow vegetal pole.[3] Tadpoles feed by filtering suspended material in the water column.[4]
Status
Glyphoglossus molossus is threatened by over-harvesting (see below) and habitat loss.[1]
As food
In certain areas, this frog is collected in large numbers as food during the breeding season.[4]
The balloon frog is very popular as a food item in Thailand, where it has been traditionally considered a delicacy in Thai cuisine, the frog's texture and taste reputedly being so exquisite that it can be eaten whole.[5] Natural populations of this amphibian, however, have been severely depleted in most areas of the country owing to overcatching. Currently, projects are undertaken to breed and release these frogs into their natural habitat. The first place where breeding was undertaken at Phayao Inland Fisheries Research and Development Center in 2009.[6] Later breeding was undertaken at Lamphun Inland Fisheries and Development Center in 2011.[7]
See also
References
- Peter Paul van Dijk, Tanya Chan-ard (2004). "Glyphoglossus molossus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2004: e.T57820A11688475. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2004.RLTS.T57820A11688475.en. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
- Frost, Darrel R. (2013). "Glyphoglossus Günther, 1869". Amphibian Species of the World 5.6, an Online Reference. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 8 June 2013.
- Altig, Ronald; Rowley, Jodi J L (4 June 2014). "The breeding behavior of Glyphoglossus molossus and the tadpoles of Glyphoglossus molossus and Calluella guttulata (Microhylidae)". Zootaxa. 3811 (3): 381–386. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.3811.3.9. PMID 24943176. Retrieved 20 January 2015 – via ResearchGate.
- Altig, Ronald; Rowley, Jodi J L (1 July 2014). "A rare glimpse into the private life of a poorly-known frog". Australian Museum. Retrieved 18 August 2022.
- Siam Fishing – Recipe/Cooking
- Soonthornvipat, Sirichat; Soonthornvipat, Phongphan (2011). "Breeding and Nursing of Truncate-Snouted Spadefoot Frog, Glyphoglossus molossus (Gunther, 1869)" (PDF). Inland Fisheries Research and Development Bureau, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thailand. Technical Paper No. 1/2011.
- Nakvijit, Panomtien (2011). "Breeding of the Blunt-headed Burrowing Frog, (Glyphoglossus molossus Gunther, 1869)" (PDF). Inland Fisheries Research and Development Bureau, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thailand. Technical Paper No. 36/2011.
External links
