Amphibians
Four-eyed Frog
Pleurodema thaul
Arching its back to flash two false eyespots at an approaching predator, a four-eyed frog gambles that a startled attacker will strike its rump rather than its actual head, a bluff reinforced by defensive compounds secreted from the same markings.
Overview
The four-eyed frog, Pleurodema thaul, is a Least Concern amphibian native to grassland and wetland habitat across a broad range of Chile and Argentina. Its distinctive false eyespot markings, its combined visual and chemical defence strategy, and its tolerance for a wide range of open habitats make it one of the more behaviourally inventive frogs found anywhere in South America.
A bluff built into its own body
Rather than relying purely on camouflage or speed, the four-eyed frog turns its own rear end into a decoy, arching its back to present a predator with two false eyes exactly where its real head is not.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and generally stable across suitable grassland and wetland habitat throughout Chile and Argentina.
Four-eyed Frog: common questions
Why is it called the four-eyed frog?
This species has two large, eye-like glandular markings on its rump, a feature that gives the species its common name and plays a role in deterring predators.
How does the four-eyed frog use its false eyespots?
This species arches its back and raises its rear end when threatened, displaying its false eyespots in an attempt to startle or confuse a predator into attacking the wrong end.
Can the four-eyed frog defend itself chemically as well?
Yes, this species can secrete defensive compounds from the glands beneath its eyespot markings, adding a chemical deterrent alongside its visual bluff.
What kind of habitat does the four-eyed frog live in?
This species tolerates a wide range of open habitats, from grassland to wetland edges, across a broad stretch of southern South America.