The African bullfrog is a burrowing giant that builds a waterproof skin cocoon

Nature · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: As one of the largest frogs on Earth, the African bullfrog is a formidable predator that spends much of its life buried underground. To survive the harsh dry season, it creates a protective skin cocoon, only emerging when rain signals the time to hunt, fight, and raise its young.

Found primarily across Southern Africa, the African bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adspersus) is a massive amphibian that can reach lengths of 25.5 cm and weigh up to 2 kg. Unlike many other species, males are significantly larger than females. These frogs are well-adapted to varied environments, including grasslands, marshes, and farmland, where they spend most of their time partially or fully buried in moist holes dug with their powerful hind legs.

During the dry season, the bullfrog enters a state of estivation. It secretes a waterproof cocoon made of dead skin to prevent water loss, remaining dormant underground until the rains return. Once the ground softens, the frog emerges to feed on a diverse diet that includes insects, rodents, birds, fish, and even other frogs. Despite their size, they are not venomous; instead, they rely on a fierce bite delivered by fanglike projections on their lower jaw and an aggressive temperament that sees them puff up to intimidate threats.

Reproduction is a high-stakes affair. Males congregate in shallow water to bellow for mates, often engaging in violent fights that can result in injury or death. After mating, the female lays up to 4,000 eggs. The male guards the resulting tadpoles for about 18 to 21 days as they develop. This period is fraught with danger, as the tadpoles are cannibalistic and face predation from birds, fish, and even their own fathers. While their population is currently declining in the wild, the species remains classified as of least concern globally.

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