Frogs are usually known by their body colors which enable them to either protect themselves or approach their prey and hunt successfully. However, there is a species that has taken this disguising ability a notch up. The long-nosed horned frog, restricted to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, has evolved a model of "double-insurance" disguise.

The long-nosed horned frog gets the common name from its elongated upper eyelids and snouts, which look like horns. These "horns" with dark-brown patterns on the body make it appear like a dead leaf. Therefore, the disguise system involves both mimicry and camouflage.

The species enjoys its reclusive life among dried leaves. When hunting, it just stands still until the prey, including spiders, small rodents and lizards, enter the attack zone. 

For better reproduction, the frog usually chooses to live around streams as the eggs are safer when laid in the water.

Currently, this species in listed as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List. However, it is still under the risk of over-hunting as some people like keeping it as pet. Also, the lack of suitable stream habitats threatens the existence of this extraordinary species.

About the 'Disguise in Nature' series

Camouflage and mimicry are two ways for creatures to disguise themselves. Disguises can either help them escape danger, or make them perfect predators when hunting for food.

In this series, we are going to look at several species that are masters of disguise. For each story, there will be a game of hide and seek with the introduced species. 

Read more from the 'Disguise in Nature' series:

Disguise in Nature: The colorful 'kung fu masters'

Disguise in Nature: The 'ninja' in sea

Disguise in Nature: The forest's 'night hunter'

(Cover image via VCG, designed by CGTN's Liu Shaozhen)

(Information image via VCG, designed by CGTN's Jia Jieqiong)

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)