“Punk Rock” Shape-Shifting Rain Frog Discovered in Ecuador
Source: Capital OTC
By Alex Hull
A scientist team announced the discovery of a new amphibian species with unique shape-shifting abilities.
Researchers from Case Western Reserve University published a report about a previously unknown rain frog species inhabiting the Andes Mountains in Ecuador that can mimic the aspect of the environment it sits on. In just a matter of minutes, the rain frog can change its skin texture from smooth to spiny, a feature never encountered before in amphibians.
The scientists named their discovery Pristimantis mutabilis, which literally means “mutable rain frog.” The peculiar frog was discovered by Tim and Katherine Krynak, husband and wife, both working for the Cleveland university. They have voluntarily dedicated to the project ten years ago, and during this time they have been exploring the Choco protected cloud forest reserve in Ecuador.
The scientist couple argued that their discovery can only be considered “new” from a certain perspective. An already known relative of the shape-shifting frog possesses the same capabilities, although until now there were no reports of the frogs actually changing their skin texture.
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