Gastrotheca

/ˌɡæstroʊˈθɛkə/ noun

Definition

A genus of South American frogs known for carrying their eggs in a pouch on their backs during development.

Etymology

From Greek 'gastro-' (stomach or belly) + 'theca' (case or sheath). The genus name refers to the belly pouch where the female frog carries developing eggs.

Kelly Says

These marsupial frogs are absolutely wild—the female has a pouch on her back where she carries tadpoles, and they emerge as fully-formed froglets instead of going through a tadpole stage in water, a unique reproductive strategy!

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