Do Frogs Eat Their Own Skin?…& Other Crazy Things Pests Do
Frogs and toads are fascinating creatures with unique habits and adaptations. One of their intriguing behaviors is that they do in fact eat their own skin! You might be wondering, “why do frogs eat their own skin?!” Keep reading to learn more about the reasons behind this peculiar behavior, as well as some other interesting pest facts!
Why Do Frogs Eat Their Own Skin?
Believe it or not, there are actually a couple of reasons why frogs and toads do this thing called “dermatophagy.” Here are the most common reasons:
#1: Nutritional Value
There are plenty of animals that shed their skin as they grow, but why do frogs eat their shed? The answer actually pertains to their skin’s nutritional value! Frog skin contains a rich reservoir of proteins and valuable nutrients.
By eating their shed skin, frogs effectively recycle these nutrients so they don’t go to waste. This odd behavior allows them to replenish their bodies with essential substances, aiding in their overall health and vitality.
#2: Predator Protection
In the wild, frogs and toads are vulnerable to a variety of predators. Eating their shed skin actually serves as a clever defense mechanism! As they shed their old skin they often do it in one piece, leaving behind a frog-shaped layer of skin. By eating their old skin, frogs eliminate any traces of their presence, making it more difficult for predators to detect them.
#3: Staying Hydrated
When it comes to amphibians, skin plays a crucial role in respiration and hydration. It allows for the exchange of gasses and helps maintain moisture balance. When frogs eat their own skin, they absorb any remaining moisture that would otherwise be wasted. This helps them combat water loss and ensures that they stay adequately hydrated, especially in dry climates.
Other Strange Pest Facts
Although ladybugs look cute, they can become cutthroat if food is scarce! They’ll actually resort to cannibalism if necessary.
It’s believed that stink bugs, which are native to Japan, China, Taiwan, and South Korea, actually smuggled themselves into the United States in shipping crates.
Pillbugs are all about moisture—which is why they can drink from their rear ends! It sounds crazy, but it’s true.
It’s commonly believed that millipedes were the first animals to breathe air and make the move from water to land according to fossil evidence. There’s a fossil of a millipede originally found in Scotland that dates back 428 million years!
Having Pest Problems?
Bugs, frogs, and other creatures like them are fascinating—but that doesn’t mean you want them inside your home or all over your yard! If you’re dealing with pest problems this summer, it’s time to call Vulcan Termite & Pest Control today. We look forward to serving you!