28/12/2025
🐸🐸
Meet the bizarre and brilliant Waxy Monkey Tree Frog (Phyllomedusa sauvagii)! This amphibian creates its own natural sunscreen by secreting a waxy substance from its skin, which it smears over its body using its opposable thumbs and flexible limbs. ☀️
The purpose is to prevent dehydration in its dry Gran Chaco habitat in South America. But the secretion holds a secret: it contains the peptide dermorphin, estimated to be 40 times more powerful than morphine in its pain-relieving effects!
The Waxy Monkey Tree Frog also has a unique, "monkey-like" climbing movement rather than hopping, making it truly one of a kind.
Disclaimer: Images are generated using ai for illustration purposes only.
frog america
