Zen of Frogs

I absolutely adore frogs! They are just so cute and colorful, kinda like me ;) So heres some random info on various frogs from around the world!

The Mystic Frog

Frogs have taken on many meanings in different cultures throughout time. In Ancient Egypt frogs were especially important. They came in great multitudes with the annual flooding of the Nile hence becoming a sign of fertility and rebirth. Frog amulets were worn by midwives and placed around the neck of mummies to help them find rebirth. Hekit, the Egyptian mid-wife to the gods wore a frog amulet inscribed with the phrase: "I Am the Resurrection."

In Medieval times frogs were recognized for their symbolism of water and their regenerative powers. They were often cited as the familiars of witches. It was said during this time that a beryl engraved with the image of a frog would make friends out of former enemies. Magic books also claimed that a frog's tongue placed under a man's pillow would force him to speak all his truths during his sleep. Frogs are also found on many ancient rain charms due to their close association with water.

Poison Arrow Frog

These frogs are found in Central and South America and, as their name suggests, may be used to produce poison arrows. The frogs secrete toxins from their skin which can kill predators. They are brightly coloured to warn predators to stay away.

Crucifix Frog

Found in Western Australia, this frog burrows underground using its front feet (entering head first - other frogs tend to burrow backwards). This frog is especially suited to such burrowing, having a pad of dead tissue on its snout (like a callus), which protects the living tissue underneath. The frog which grows up to 5cm gets its name from the cross-shaped pattern on its back. It spends most its time underground and feeds mainly on small black ants.

Psyllophryne Didactyla

The smallest frog is probably the Psyllophryne Didactyla from Brazil which is about 9.8mm as an adult.