TUNGARA FROG Meaning and
Definition
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The tungara frog, scientifically known as Engystomops pustulosus, is a small species of frog that can be mostly found in the rainforests of Central and South America. It belongs to the family of frogs called Leptodactylidae, which encompasses a diverse range of frog species. The tungara frog is distinguished by its unique features and behaviors.
Physically, the tungara frog is relatively small, usually measuring around 1.5 to 2 inches in length. It has a plump body with smooth skin that is typically brown or gray in color. One of the distinctive characteristics of the tungara frog is its prominent vocal sac, which becomes inflated when the male frog is producing mating calls.
In terms of behavior, the tungara frog is renowned for its complex mating behavior. During the breeding season, the male frogs gather in a group near water bodies and produce a unique mating call called the "tung." This call is a combination of short, low-frequency pulses and longer, higher-frequency whines. The reproductive success of the tungara frog relies on the attractiveness of its call to female frogs.
Additionally, the tungara frog has a symbiotic relationship with a species of mosquito called Aedes aegypti. The female mosquito uses the foam nests created by the frogs as a breeding site for its eggs, while the larvae feed on the eggs and tadpoles of the tungara frogs.
Overall, the tungara frog is a fascinating amphibian species that is known for its distinctive appearance, intricate mating behavior, and ecological interactions.
Etymology of TUNGARA FROG
The word "tungara" originates from the Taino language, an extinct Arawakan language spoken by the indigenous Taino people of the Caribbean. The Taino people were native to the Greater Antilles, which includes modern-day Puerto Rico and parts of the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Jamaica. The term "tungara" refers specifically to one species of frog called Engystomops pustulosus, which is found in parts of Central and South America.
