In a remarkable event, the lush greenery of Karnataka in southwest India became the backdrop for a unique fashion show by Mother Nature.
A curious example of goblincore in action was witnessed when researchers stumbled upon a living Rao’s Intermediate Golden-backed Frog (Hylarana intermedia) with a mushroom growing out of its skin. This event marks the first recording of such an occurrence in a living amphibian.
The fungi in question was identified as a Bonnet Mushroom, a type from the Mycena genus, forming an unusual but quite iconic duo with the frog.
A brief study detailing this newfound duo was published in the academic journal Reptiles & Amphibians. Chinmay Maliye, an amateur naturalist, and Lohit Y.T., a Wetlands Specialist from World Wide Fund for Nature-India, shared their account of the encounter with the stylish amphibian.
While they explored a small pond that was the playground of approximately 40 golden-backed frogs, one individual caught their attention — it was elegantly sporting what seemed to be an extra limb.
Additional limbs are not entirely unusual and are sometimes caused by a parasitic flatworm called Ribeiroia ondatrae. However, this was not the case here, as the growth was not parasitic but rather a charming little Mycena mushroom.
While amphibians and fungi have crossed paths before, notably in the context of the deadly Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which causes chytridiomycosis in frogs, the Bonnet mushrooms are not known to grow on living animals. As saprotrophs, they usually grow on dead organic matter, aiding in the decomposition process in forest ecosystems.
The reason behind this mushroom prospering on a living frog, which appeared otherwise healthy, is a mystery. Without collecting the specimen for detailed study, the researchers could not make any further identifications or determine how the mushroom managed to grow on the frog, or whether it had any detrimental effects on its host.
If during your wanderings in damp forests you encounter any frog showing off such peculiar accessories, make sure to document it and inform researchers who are eager to learn more about this phenomenon.
Find more about this fascinating discovery in the journal Reptiles & Amphibians.
FAQs About The Frog-Mushroom Duo
Q: What is a Rao’s Intermediate Golden-backed Frog?
A: A Rao’s Intermediate Golden-backed Frog, scientifically known as Hylarana intermedia, is a species of frog native to India.
Q: What kind of mushroom was found growing on the frog?
A: The mushroom found growing on the frog belongs to the genus Mycena, also known as Bonnet Mushrooms.
Q: Are Bonnet Mushrooms known to grow on animals?
A: No, Bonnet Mushrooms are typically saprotrophic, which means they grow on decomposing organic matter like leaf litter and rotting wood, not on living animals.
Q: Could this phenomenon hurt the frog?
A: It is unknown whether the mushroom growth has any negative impact on the frog’s health, as the specimen was not collected for research.
Q: What should I do if I see a frog with a mushroom growing on it?
A: If you encounter a frog with a mushroom growth, document the occurrence and share your observations with scientists or naturalists for further study.
Conclusion
The curious case of a frog with a mushroom flourishing on its back in the wild has presented researchers with a thought-provoking glimpse into the natural world’s ability to surprise us. The documentation of this unusual phenomenon opens doors to new questions in the field of mycology and herpetology. While the significance of this symbiotic relationship remains a mystery for now, it serves as a reminder of the ecological intricacies that await discovery. Nature enthusiasts and scientists alike should stay alert for more instances of such extraordinary pairings in the wild.