Amphibians go hunting
Most kinds of amphibians hide and sleep during the day. At night they
come creeping and hopping out to hunt for food.
Frogs and toads seem to be always hungry. And, in a way, they’re a lot
like lions and tigers because they hunt for live things to eat. Frogs
and toads eat insects, worms, and even smaller frogs or toads. Big
bullfrogs will even eat small turtles, snakes, mice, and birds.
Frogs and toads will eat only things that move. An
The earthworm this toad caught was longer than the toad. But the toad
will swallow it all down.American Toad
Common Frog
The frog has caught a bush cricket. It will use its front feet to push
the cricket down into its mouth.
insect or worm might be safe right in front of a frog or toad if it
didn’t move. But if it makes even the tiniest wiggle, the frog or toad
will see it and gulp it down.
Many kinds of frogs and toads have long, sticky tongues that they use
for catching food. If an insect comes near them, the frog or toad will
slowly move closer —and closer. Then—snap! The tongue shoots out
and pulls the insect into the amphibian’s mouth.
Frogs and toads are skillful hunters. A scientist once watched a small
toad catch 52 mosquitoes—in less than a minute!
