The Frog Blog

I must make a vow never to prank again on April Fools's Day. Hopefully no one was taken in by the Stygian Owl - I'm sure no one was. But, the wrath of the Internet Gods roared down upon me, and I've since been unable to access the 'net. As a matter of fact, I'm blogging during a break at the 9th annual Ohio Botanical Symposium, being held at the beautiful Villa Milano in Columbus. Sorry, Internet Gods, and sorry pro-Stygian Owl anti-April Fool's Day anti-pranksters.

Frogs. Everyone loves 'em. And there is a bunch of 'em at the Center of Science and Industry in Columbus. Normally I wouldn't blog a bunch of captive beasts, but these are just too cool not to share. If you are in the COSI 'hood, stop in and check them out.

The frog show has been very popular, to say the least. Throngs of frog-people pour in every day to ooh and aww over the critters.

Amerian Bullfrog, the token native species.

How about a Borneo Eared Frog? Look at it from the right angle, and you'll see the long pointy ears, a la Mr. Spock.

The Chinese Gliding Frog is one of those unbelievable marvels of nature. Like an amphibious flying squirrel, it can stretch tissue flaps and soar brief distances.

The Long-nosed Horned Frog is a study in sharp angularity, unlike most rounded frogs.

Fire-bellied Toad. Turn it over and there's a riot of brilliant yellow/orange color.

Living gargoyles: Waxy Monkey Frogs. Pensive-looking and creepy, they are probably the most popular act in the show.

Ornate Horned Frog, the Yoda of the frog world. It is like a big, soft, orbicular glob of slimy jello. Bizarre is an understatement.

Smoky Jungle Frog peeks from a nook. Viewing the frogs in their terraria is a treat. The exhibits are well done, and many of the frogs don't immediately reveal themselves.

A goggle-eyed African Clawed Frog. And claws do they have! Looks like the thing could really rake someone over the coals if it wanted to.

Easily the strangest of the lot are these Vietnamese Mossy Frogs. There's three in this shot - count 'em!

Another of the Vietnamese Mossy Frog. Very lichenlike and I imagine they can be virtually invisible in their wild haunts.

Finally, the poison frog display. While highly toxic, the brightly colored little jewels are beyond gorgeous.

Blue Poison Frog.

While not the showiest of the poison frogs, this one may be the deadliest. It is the Golden Poison Frog, Phyllobates terribilis, and believe me, you wouldn't want to get show by a hostile pygmy's arrow tipped in the juices of this one.

If you get the chance, visit COSI and marvel over some of the world's coolest frogs.