About 20 years ago, researchers noticed that the Xenohyla truncata tree frog found in the Brazilian forests had an unusual diet. Instead of eating insects, this frog species fed on fruits it found.
According to research conducted at the University of Mato Grosso do Sul in Brazil, this frog not only eats plants, but also seems to carry pollen grains between them. If the observations are confirmed, this could declare it the only amphibian (both aquatic and terrestrial) pollinator known to science.
This species, which lives in the forests of Restinga in the state of Rio de Janeiro, becomes active in the evening.
The research team, led by Henrique Nogueira, noticed that the frog carried pollen on its skin while visiting different plant species.
MORE RESEARCH IS NEEDED
“No other amphibian in the world has been seen performing such a function,” Nogueira said. There are many other progeny-bearing animals, mostly insects, but also mammals, birds, and even some reptiles. But for the first time, an amphibian has emerged as a possible member of this pollinator list.” said.
The researchers believe they’ve also gathered the first evidence of a species of frog feeding on nectar and flowers in the wild.
The information that Xenohyla truncata is indeed a pollinator is not yet certain. The scientists note that more research is needed to check that the secretions from the frog’s skin do not damage the pollen, and whether the grains are indeed transported to other flowers and play a role in fertilization.
