The Brazilian Treefrog That Might Be the World’s First Amphibian Pollinator

In the vibrant heart of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, a surprising discovery has emerged—Xenohyla truncata, a small treefrog, might just be the world’s first known amphibian pollinator. Researchers observed this frog feeding on fruits, flowers, and nectar, using suction-like movements to extract the sweet liquid. As it moves from flower to flower, pollen grains stick to its back, suggesting it might help transfer pollen much like bees or birds .

This behavior challenges the traditional understanding of amphibians as insect-eaters. While most frogs stick to bugs, Xenohyla truncata’s varied diet includes plant parts, a rare trait among amphibians. The findings suggest that this little frog might play a unique ecological role, combining seed dispersal and pollination, both vital for plant diversity and survival .

Further research will determine whether this frog truly functions as an effective pollinator. If confirmed, it would mark a remarkable expansion of our knowledge about animal-plant interactions, hinting that even the smallest creatures might play unexpected roles in sustaining ecosystems 

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Publisher: Food Webs
Type: Article
Year: 2023
Content language: English
Author(s): Carlos Henrique De-Oliveira-Nogueira, Ubiratã Ferreira Souza, Thaynara Mendes Machado, Caio Antônio Figueiredo-De-Andrade, Alexander Tamanini Mônico, Ivan Sazima, Marlies Sazima, Luís Felipe Toledo
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