Refrigerans magnetus is unusual among amphibians in that the pupils of the eyes are circular rather than a horizontal or vertical slit. The reasons for this physical anomaly are unknown, although some speculate that it may have to do with the frog's preference for artificial light. These creatures are drawn to kitchens where they attach themselves to freezers and refrigerators (hence the Latin name) and emit a mating call not unlike the humming sound made by the motors of those appliances. The above specimen was discovered in natural surroundings, and quite unnaturally for the species. I would postulate that the unseasonally cool temperatures in the area may be encouraging these rare frogs into habitat not normally utilized.
365Caws is now in its 14th year of publication, and was originally intended to end after 365 days. It has sometimes been difficult for me to find new material, particularly during the winter months, but now as I enter my own twilight years, I cannot guarantee that I will be able to provide daily posts. It is my hope that along the way I may have inspired someone to a greater curiosity about the natural world. If so, I can rest, content in the knowledge that my work here has been done.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
A Right Frog-Strangler Rain
Refrigerans magnetus is unusual among amphibians in that the pupils of the eyes are circular rather than a horizontal or vertical slit. The reasons for this physical anomaly are unknown, although some speculate that it may have to do with the frog's preference for artificial light. These creatures are drawn to kitchens where they attach themselves to freezers and refrigerators (hence the Latin name) and emit a mating call not unlike the humming sound made by the motors of those appliances. The above specimen was discovered in natural surroundings, and quite unnaturally for the species. I would postulate that the unseasonally cool temperatures in the area may be encouraging these rare frogs into habitat not normally utilized.
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I waited for the punch line--but it never came. They really like refrigerators? What did they do before we had them? Strange tale...
ReplyDelete:LOL: The whole story is the punch line. The "frog" is a fridge magnet..."Refrigerans magnetus." You gotta watch out for me. :wink: I probably should have waited for April Fool's Day for this one, but it's definitely not my first "rare sighting."
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