European Tree Frog (Hyla arborea) captured yawning on a Bramble (Rubus sp.) bush in the forest of Noord Brabant, Netherlands. Photo by Henk Bogaard/Shutterstock.com
We all know that feeling – the drowsiness that signals bedtime approaching, prompting automatic yawns. You might catch yourself yawning during mid-day lulls, whether due to sleepiness or boredom. Humans yawn almost reflexively, as it triggers the release of hormones that boost heart rate and alertness, momentarily warding off drowsiness. But have you ever wondered about yawning in other creatures?
In the video above, a charming rain frog appears ready for rest, emitting a big yawn. Yet, unlike humans, a frog’s yawn signifies a crucial transformation, not fatigue or monotony. Watch the video to delve deeper into this fascinating topic.
Key Points About Rain Frogs
Rain frogs possess the unique behavior of consuming dead skin from each other’s backs. Photo by Lauren Suryanata/Shutterstock.com
The bushveld rain frog (Breviceps adspersus), commonly known as the rain frog, hails from various regions in Southern Africa, such as Angola, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. These frogs boast bulbous, brown-green bodies with short legs. While males typically measure between 1-2 inches, females are notably larger, spanning about 1.5-2.5 inches. Unlike many frog species in the area, rain frogs are not endangered and hold a conservation status of “least concern.”
Inhabiting temperate rainforests and open grasslands across subequatorial Africa, rain frogs burrow underground during winter and emerge at night to breed and feed when the wetter summer months arrive. Their diet consists of small grubs like termites, ants, and other tiny invertebrates. Interestingly, rain frogs engage in a behavior where they climb atop one another to consume their skin, potentially linked to their yawning habits.
Yawning in Frogs
Yawning plays a vital role in the skin-shedding process of young frogs. Photo by totajla/Shutterstock.com
The act of yawning is not limited to rain frogs; it’s an integral aspect of skin shedding in juvenile frogs. While resembling human yawns, a frog’s yawn aids in breaking down old skin for shedding. Young frogs shed their skin regularly, some even on a daily basis. The yawning motion observed in the video indicates a frog preparing to shed its skin.
Young frogs often consume their dead skin to retain essential nutrients. By opening their mouths, pulling away dead skin, and bringing it towards their mouths, they maintain a healthy shedding routine. This behavior may explain why rain frogs are known to consume each other’s skin. While it appears as yawning to us, it signifies a crucial phase in a young frog’s development. So, a yawning frog with a gel-like substance around
