Mexican Burrowing Frog

It is the sole living member of the ancient amphibian family Rhinophrynidae, representing a distinct evolutionary lineage that separated from other frogs roughly 190 million years ago. This means it has virtually no close living relatives in the amphibian world.

Ranging from the southern United States to Costa Rica, this highly specialized amphibian digs deep underground backward using its powerful, spade-like hind legs. It coats itself in a protective layer of skin to retain moisture and can remain buried in a state of estivation for years while waiting for heavy rains.

They have a specialized diet consisting almost entirely of ants and termites. They will position themselves directly at the entrance of an ant or termite nest, remaining perfectly still as they consume hundreds of insects in one sitting.

When heavy rains trigger them to emerge from their underground burrows to breed, males produce a loud, distinctive call that sounds like a "whoop" or a resonant "waah." This chorus of loud calls can be heard echoing across flooded fields and temporary pools at night.