Malaysia Horned Frogs

Malayan Horned Frog
Megophrys nasuta

Long-Legged Horned Frog
Megophrys longipes

Asian Short-Horned Frog
Megophrys aceras

Amphibians ~ Horned Frogs

Horned frogs are named after the unique appendages above their eyelids that are triangular and pointed, giving the appearance of 'horns'. Horned frogs belong to the Megophryidae family, whose common characteristics include a relatively large body for frogs, a base brown colouration and large irises in addition to their appendages. Horned frogs are hardy creatures and voracious predators, feeding on anything they can catch which includes insects, mice and other frogs, including smaller individuals of their own kind.

They employ an ambush strategy by camouflaging themselves in the leaf litter of the forest bed while lying in wait for unsuspecting prey to pass by. Horned frogs are terrestial, nocturnal and employ a very sharp and loud call. In Peninsular Malaysia, a few species are described including Megophrys nasuta, Megophrys longipes and Megophrys aceras.

The Malayan horned frog, or Megophrys nasuta, is a typical ambush predator, feeding voraciously on crickets, skinks and other frogs. They possess a stout body textured like a dried leaf as well as a pointed flap above each eye. The snout is also remarkably sharp, like the tip of a leaf. They range from greyish yellow to light brown shades. This large frog can grow to a length of 20 cm. The body may have a few small black bumps portruding from the back.

The long-legged horned frog, or Megophrys longipes, is a highland species found in hilly rainforest throughout Peninsular Malaysia. They have much shorter and less pronounced 'horns' above their eyelids than Megophrys nasuta. The hind legs are extremely long and when folded, the knees reach all the way to the fore legs. Megophrys aceras has much shorter hind legs and is found more often in lowland rainforest.

The colouration for both species is usually brown with highly variable patterning across the back and legs that can take the form of irregular stripes, splotches or even be patternless. They are ambush predators like the Malayan horned frog and will eat smaller frogs in addition to conventional prey such as insects.