Pollination and seed dispersal are crucial for plant survival. Among terrestrial vertebrates, mammals and birds stand out in these relationships with plants. On the other hand, frogs are not expected to play a role in these interactions, as almost all species are carnivorous (mostly insectivorous) after metamorphosis.
However, there is a species of amphibian that is one of the few in the world that actively feeds on fruits, flowers and nectar and is the only one capable of pollinating like bees and other insects.
It’s about Xenohyla truncataa small specimen whose dimensions do not exceed 5 centimeters discovered last year by Brazilian researchers. It lives in the Atlantic Forest, particularly in the sandy areas of Rio de Janeiro and has already been classified as at risk of extinction due to the uncontrolled real estate expansion that threatens the habitat.
Spends most of its time sheltered inside bromeliadsa tropical plant with incredible colors. Apparently this small animal, in addition to feeding on insects, also likes to feast on plants and nectar.
Some time ago, scientists had already carried out specific analyzes on the stomachs of individuals of this species, discovering that, in addition to feeding on invertebrates, it also fed on various plant structures. As stated in the abstract of a recent study:
Recently, we observed unexpected interactions between this Neotropical tree frog and plants from their native range. The frog fed on different plant parts, consuming fruits, floral structures and nectar with sucking-like movements, and we observed pollen grains adhered to the frog’s back, which makes this tree frog a potential pollinator, in addition to its already consolidated seed spreader. Nectar ingestion during the breeding season could benefit individuals with high energy demands. This is a unique and extraordinary example of unexpected interactions between amphibians and plants.
The fact that this small specimen also eats various fruits makes it a real seed disperser, the first amphibian capable of pollinating.
The researchers managed to film the animal while it fed on plants, small fruits and petals. They also monitored some of these specimens while they sucked nectar.
The most important discovery was to record the small frog which, to find nectar, enters the largest flowers and then comes out with grains of pollen attached to its back: this makes the species a potential pollinator.
However, there are still many questions that scientists are asking: the study just published represents the starting point for more in-depth research, to continue to discover information on the species.
In fact, it remains to be understood whether small frogs have specific adaptations for sucking nectar and whether they are actually capable of consuming and digesting any type of plant species available.
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Sources: Food Webs / Professor Henrique Nogueira
