Shield Frog

A subspecies of the Starside Musket Frog, these frogs produce the same surface tension increasing mucus. The difference for them is that, rather than in their mouths and stomachs, the mucus is secreted from their skin. They use this to create veils of water around themselves, like watery armor. This is used to keep them moist so that they can briefly venture onto dry land, and these shields last as long as they are not punctured or boiled. The mucus keeps the water from evaporating over time unless incredibly high temperatures are reached, meaning the veil can last for weeks or months. They otherwise have the same biology beyond where the mucus is secreted from.

Basic Information

Growth Rate & Stages

The surviving tadpoles of a batch of shield frog eggs are given their own small veil produced by their parents; this is because, when batches of shield frogs are born, parents will fight for dominance of the pools they live in, and the winners will have the first pick of the food sources. Losing parents will take their tadpoles and seek out other ponds. This method is used so that the resources of a pond are not exhausted.

Ecology and Habitats

The shield frog evolved specifically to combat the musket frogs need for consistent water sources. They can live in very small ponds or watering holes. When or if the water dries up, their veils will usually last long enough for them to migrate to a new pool.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Musket Frog