What are Rain Frogs?

The Rain Frog: a viral little amphibian who seems to challenge the laws of natural selection. But what are they and how do they survive? These questions and more (not really) are answered in this here video.
Wikipedia Articles for the animals if you want to learn more about them:
Breviceptidae (rain frogs): en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brevici...
Breviceps namaquensis: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namaqua...
Breviceps macrops: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desert_...
Breviceps gibbosus: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_ra...
Breviceps bagginsi: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilbo%2...
Sources Used:
www.oneearth.org/species-of-t...
amphibiaweb.org/lists/Brevici...
allthatsinteresting.com/deser...
(Non royalty free) Videos used:
Note: All videos should presumably fall under fair use, as not only is a small fraction of the video used, but my video and the means I use these videos falls under education.
• Worlds Cutest Frog - D...
• きな粉まぶしガエルは今日も可愛い😌
• Bushveld Rain Frog Fee...
• The Rain Frog
• Bushveld Rain Frog Mis...
Credit to Tyrone Ping for some great frog photographs: www.tyroneping.co.za/

[@Kimmaline]

As a long time herp keeper (30+yrs), I feel the need to say something here. Rain frogs make HORRIBLE pets, but thanks to TikTok and the rise in popularity of exotic pet content on that app (and others, but it got far worse with The Tok) people are buying them faster than poachers can import them into the U.S. Poachers? What did I say? Yes. I do not know of a SINGLE person breeding any species of rain frog in captivity, they are all wild collected specimens as far as I can tell. The vast majority of them die on the journey to the states, the ones who don't are entering their new homes (likely to inexperienced keepers--and generally speaking amphibians can be difficult to keep) stressed, dehydrated, traumatized, and laden with parasites. They are very tiny and very very fragile. All of this becomes a bigger issue when you realize that because these are such specialized little creatures, many of the sub-species are either threatened or close to since their native habitats are so small and their needs so specific. Collecting wild specimens because we like their mad face simply isn't a good enough reason to decimate a natural ecosystem. I *get* it. They are super heckin cute. If it wasnt for all the issues I'd probably have a couple in my collection--though I'm an experienced keeper and have some basic skills at maintaining temps and humidity in enclosures. But even if I did feel okay dealing with all the problems and ethical conundrums, from what I've heard even the really shitty sellers like Underground and Backwater are constantly sold out. Supply is not meeting this temporarily high demand, and that is going to make for a lot of adorable little froggy deaths. This ALWAYS happens in exotic pets, I've had parrots since I was 4yo and I've watched this over and over and over. You get one TV show or viral video or celeb who highlights an exotic species, and suddenly everyone who just a day ago wasnt even CONSIDERING adding something as labor-intensive as a fragile exotic now thinks they can't live without the animal they're now so smitten with. Prices soar, stock plummets, and a lot of creatures end up neglected or dead. It's heart rending, and it keeps happening. Rain frogs are just the animal of the month. 🐸

[@johndoe7270]

I'm not for pet permits, but I think there should be a permit required for keeping exotics. Especially the ones that don't have an established captive population or if we haven't figured out how to care for them. Reminds me of otters, except otters survive and suffer for the sake of tiktok videos as well... Also, Tiktok is Societal cancer.

[@Oscar4u69]

it's so sad to know they are poached 😭, now they are on the path to extinction, humans ruin everything

[@Oscar4u69]

@@johndoe7270 tiktok is one of the worst things that has happened to the internet

[@johndoe7270]

@@Oscar4u69 Gotta build those Dollar Stores every quarter mile bro!

[@Anvynn]

Tiktok is horrible for animals. Not only it popularises some pets, but also spreads straight-up abuse videos - hamsters being harmed, fish and axolotls killed, cockatiels and chicks being chewed on by puppies, newborn bunnies being stuffed inside plastic eggs. Reporting does nothing as well.

[@RedCrusader-ph2vk]

I'm disappointed that these adorable frogs haven't been turned into marketable plushies like the round seal.

[@pikabolt5196]

Right? Much better way of capitalizing on these cute froggies than poaching for the pet trade :( Besides, who WOULDN’T want a rain frog plushie? Those you can actually hug without hurting the froggy

[@sunshinekid7799]

They are. There’s a KZbinr called “TootyMcnooty” who’s channel blew up with content of these frogs. She sells plushies of them of her site. They’re more cartoony looking but cute none the less lol

[@mysryuza]

Would be better to make plushies based on them than relying on poachers just to have a rain frog in their homes.

[@stickydeathandthesilverspo1339]

ricky the rain frog on jellycat!!!

[@jeremyphillips3992]

Because plushies that look like ballsacks arent marketable

[@craigmorgan7678]

4:45 fun fact bilbos rain frog is named after bilbo Baggins because the person who discovered the frog had kids who where big fans of the hobbit so he named the frog after bilbo Baggins for his kids

[@FarmerSlayerFromTheEdoPeriod]

Wholesome

[@BlackOrderAlchemist]

Makes a bit of sense anyway; because of the burrowing and the hobbitholes and such Very sweet overall :y

[@spotalarm1068]

It’s true, I was one of the kids

[@thebrickinquestion]

@@spotalarm1068 source: trust me bro

[@omgem3669]

Awww, adorable. Let’s give a healthy rain frog an open little hobbit door

[@ArtisticlyAlexis]

Rain frogs are to amphibians what platypuses are to mammals: just everything wrong for their class in the most adorable of ways!

[@jellohead1036]

Wrong, it's platypods... or platypi... or platypodes............ *huh.*

[@randomkinkajou5747]

I would say that the axolotl takes that spot.

[@Nico_com_c]

@@randomkinkajou5747 Axolotl are reptiles

[@randomkinkajou5747]

@@Nico_com_c They're amphibians.

[@Nico_com_c]

@@randomkinkajou5747 Just searched up and yeah, you're right. I've never been so confidently wrong in my life 💀

[@brendanmurphy2937]

Rain frogs are a 10/10, very intimidated by their war cry

[@reapertemptations]

true, they are the ultimate embodiment of fear

[@Zomboo]

They ARE fear itself, you can only dare approach them if you have mastered yourself. ☯️

[@Joe_Potts]

Eeeee!

[@Bundalaba]

Love the way John Oliver puts it

[@comlitbeta7532]

Ferocious

[@jackllanternIsInAnotherCastle]

My friend once told me that they would hibernate by drying out, coming to life when they’re rained on. I couldn’t help but imagine a foolish man throwing one into the ocean, they would grow and grow. Absorbing all of the water on earth. Horrifying

[@bazpearce9993]

The help we need to fight sea level rise lol.

[@weecritikal]

there has to be an animal that does that

[@thomasdeen2099]

or you can have thor drink the ocean to lower the sea level again

[@wikansaktianto9215]

Sounds like Wonder Toy or something like grow your own dino toy, stuff.

[@silent_stalker3687]

@@bazpearce9993 by…. 1 inch?

[@princesseville6889]

The tadpole thing is one of the oldest systems in Evolution to produce frogs - how on Earth did they develop a way to say "nope, gonna skip that..." ?!

[@tntmage5303]

They just… did

[@farhanatashiga3721]

They're chads that's why

[@LudiusQuassas]

Technically, they didn't. They still go through a tadpole stage, but it's really short and they rapidly grow out of it. One of David Athenborough's segments has some footage of a Rain frog nest, there are little tadpoles.

[@placeboobshere5458]

The same way reptiles did when they evolved from amphibians. Rain Frogs just want to be like reptiles.

[@tetraxis3011]

Another flaw in evolution theory……there is no reason to NOT do that. Tadpoles are very vulnerable, to the point that firefly NYMPHS hunt them.

[@addchannelname2052]

It's small head is probably a way to confuse predators of it's body shape or/and whether or not it's facing them. When animals see animals they expect to see a clearly defined head like the insects shown here have so maybe thats a way to confuse predators and us humans are just too smart to fall for the trick like with Zebra stripes. I don't know that's just an assumption I never heard of these frogs by name until now.

[@jimmysmith2249]

Plausible.

[@hunterG60k]

It's a really good idea, if they do get attacked then you're more likely to survive a bite on the (adorable froggy) butt than on the face. I also thought that being round is a good way to minimise surface area and therefore moisture loss too.

[@DRED-full]

A bigger head would take away from their round-like shape. If they had a bigger head it could give their predators something to grab and make it easier to dislodge them from their burrows. By having such a tiny head it basically blends right in with the rest of their stubby body 😂

[@mynameissal7205]

you could get away with more shorts like this, the dry comedic style and goofy subject matter are a powerful combo. love the content bro.

[@MatthewTheWanderer]

Agreed! However, just so you know, this is not technically short enough to be called a "short" since it is a lot more than 1 minute long.

[@mynameissal7205]

@@MatthewTheWanderer bad use of the word I admit.

[@ferretlord8202]

420 likes nice

[@mynameissal7205]

@@ferretlord8202 nice

[@ferretlord8202]

well shit cus now its 433 >:(

[@MatthewTheWanderer]

These might just be the silliest critters I've ever seen (and no, this is not the first time I've heard of them)! They are basically living squeak toys!

[@Solesteam]

D o n o t s q u i s h t h e f r o g .

[@Amr_D]

​@@Solesteam *squish* *splatters*

[@Solesteam]

@@Amr_D NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOØØØØØØØØØØØØØØŒŒŒ

[@soupman941]

Such a Lil goblin they are

[@corpsenymph4644]

My dog:

[@splatterdots2436]

I audibly squealed when I heard the word “Froglets”. I love these creatures

[@cactusgamingyt9960]

I mean, in Denmark we have 'toadlets' which are tadpole size and only come out after the rain, so it isn't very alien to us.

[@kaityr9693]

I would die for any rain frog. Look at these tiny round squeaky toys. Perfect creatures. Very beautiful, very powerful.

[@kgpspyguy]

W R O N G. I am LITERALLY stronger then any rain frog. I can do twice as many push-ups. If a Rain Frog is so powerful, then how come they don't know how to play no dang FOOTBALL???

[@gagorck3699]

@@kgpspyguy I am EASILY as strong as THREE rain frogs

[@doflamingoisinnocent]

@@kgpspyguy I'm pretty sure twice of 0 is still 0 pushups

[@totoisayal5045]

@@kgpspyguy its simple, give them a small egg and they eat it, boom mouthballs.

[@zacharytracy3797]

Then make sure you NEVER buy one to keep in captivity.

[@Fighty_McLovingstein]

"Somehow, these animals are capable of ambushing their prey." 🤣

[@GoredonTheDestroyer]

Rain Frogs give off immense "No take me angy" vibes and I am _all_ for it.

[@daintybeigli]

I always get a little nervous when I see how small an animal’s habitat is. These guys are so cool. I hope we don’t destroy their home 😬

[@blackfacegaming191]

America first. F Ukraine.

[@absolutellienot5424]

hey, one highly plausible explanation for the reason the narrow-mouthed rain frogs evolved their facial morphology is due to the way their burrowing habit. a related african desert burrowing frog, the shovelnose frog, evolved its essentially opposite phenotype from burrowing head first over time. in contrast with the desert rain frog which, burrowing backwards, eventually evolved a more upturned and flat face. in conclusion, the desert rain frog loves to throw it back

[@burnttoast26]

I love how they're just a little squeaking ball with stumpy little legs and a tiny grumpy face.

[@guilhermeteodosio40]

This frog clearly spent a lot of evolution points on developing features so it'll be able to survive on harsh scenarios who would otherwise be extremely hazardous for other frog, but it also completely fails to look intimidating or resilient in the slightest... I MEAN... "They waddle around at incredible speed" Incredible speed: 1:31 "BEHOLD its STRENGHT and DIGGING-POWER!!" 2:15 Lets the soil consumes its body, like he'd rather be dead* "Fear not, it's frog will stand tall and emit a horrendous war-cry" Frog's roar of wrath: 0:03 EVEN FOR FROG'S STANDARDS, I JUST... 0:50 "its unable to swim" BRUH, that's like the one thing frogs do! 2:51 "Why does it look like that?" 3:07 "It's able to pop-itself-up to make it look BIGGER more intimidating" ** BONUS! ** 4:30 If you've been getting large bitches, but without using your "HUMAN GLUE" to avoid awkwarding falling off their back, I pity you bro, cus you've clearly been doing something wrong.

[@dustinnabil798]

Small price to pay for living on dry land.

[@testerwulf3357]

It's unable to swim because how the hell does a fat round frog swim?? It can barely waddle around I doubt it'd have the movability to swim even if it wanted to. It gave up water to live on land, just how it works; It doesn't live in water so why would it need to swim y'know?

[@michaelnettles3059]

@@testerwulf3357 Almost every mammal can swim, how many live in water? But the amphibian can't?

[@anti-ethniccleansing465]

What’s up st 04:17 with the femaIe’s eye??

[@placeboobshere5458]

@@dustinnabil798 it seems like a transition between amphibians and reptiles. I think it may become a reptile if it stays on course

[@fweetfweet6996]

1:45 a true master of the hunt

[@EzraM5]

They're such beautiful little creatures. Thank you for throwing some knowledge about them out there, so others may know and appreciate them. 💙

[@kevinjung6130]

I love frogs. More frog videos please lol. The short form is enjoyable, would be happy to see more like these.

[@berni1011]

I fucking love rain frogs, I fucking love rain frogs

[@0jeej0]

I fucking love rain frogs, I fucking love rain frogs

[@christophertran5120]

I fucking love rain frogs, I fucking love rain frogs

[@Bagelgeuse]

Rain frogs: mother nature's most precious child.

[@xxcaseyxx5401]

1:20 OHH LITTLE GUYS!!

[@joshuagraham3854]

In my head canon, the female frog at 4:37 doesn't know that male is there, and I can't stop laughing about it. 😂Girl's walking around like "Damn, where'd Steve go?"

[@_funniest_man_on_the_computer]

Wow, so cool! I had no idea frogs could diversify so much.

[@neongreenheart23]

Was literally just watching videos about these little frogs the other day. I thought this video was hilarious, you're videos have quickly become some of my favorites! Looking forward to more vids

[@johannesroundhouse5996]

1:31 incredible speed

[@theparagonal]

Aw, I love that the strange-footed burrowing animal is named after Bilbo.

[@snubby49]

Aaaahh i get it now! The feet, the burrowing and cuteness

[@anonsleuth]

just wanted to say that I recently got recommended your prehistoric bug video and loved it. your sense of humor is right up my alley. love binge watching your vids whenever I feel down

[@tposeanteater]

3:14 Awww, that little fella is so intimidating looking just at that smol head

[@alienplatypus7712]

Ok, WHAT IS UP WITH THAT FROG'S EYE AT 4:16? That looks absolutely horrifying, is that some weird eyelid pattern? A parasite? The frog's real eye even?

[@Oscar4u69]

i'm wondering the same, i need answers

[@-desertpackrat]

I was hoping someone had pointed that out, that weirded me out too and I'd also like to know.

[@MistaGSpecialEducation]

That is the frog’s… well… idk how to say it, but its like a second eyelid, a tissue that goes down to the bottom of the eye that cleans the eye, protects it, or moisturizes it

[@ohnoohyeah3205]

My daughters nickname is Goober. She is a dinosaur, lizard, amphibian and dragon enthusiast. We loved it!

[@garethtudor836]

Rain frogs are a favourite of mine, mostly cos they're just so cute. Watching a video as well done as this absolutely made my day. Love your work, brother

[@akpsyche1299]

Such fascinating content as always, and a super underrated channel. I'd seen these frogs before from memes, but never thought to consider why they look like that and how it lets them fit into a specific niche.

[@JudgeOfHell188]

look at the little goober 0:05

[@kingkaydengaming2786]

What a kind little fella, he deserves no *JUDGEMENT* or THY END IS NOW*, for he is but a small CREATURE OF STEEL*

[@sergiom.a.1236]

The Miniature Greater Moist Boy sure is a sight to behold. He truly brings the rains down in Africa.

[@SageEndy]

I need more of your content man, it's so good!

[@edenisburning]

Glad you added new content. I stumbled upon your videos by accident, and within a few days, I had watched them all. Good stuff, keep it coming.

[@nicholasvital307]

So happy I’ve come across this channel. Your passion with the comedy you include is utter gold

[@sampagano205]

Frogs as a group are already deeply allergic to dignity, and these guys are pretty much the least dignified.

[@emilydavis9548]

The concept of 'dignity' becomes obsolete when you're web-toed and snackin' on bugs.

[@emilydavis9548]

Also Eeeeeeeeeeee

[@Bunny11344]

Who needs dignity when you’re as cute as a rain frog

[@toxoplasmagondi]

they're cute af they don't need dignity. It's the other frogs that should be worried

[@windydayys]

I don’t want a rain frog for a pet, I just want to silently admire it. The goofy frogs will live their best life free.

[@washingmachine3772]

Fearsome, such a powerful frog. okay but why is it sooo adorable 😭

[@Thumper256]

Good video dork! You nailed it man and I really enjoyed it till the end over a frog.

[@remulas13]

This shorter, more direct form would be nice sprinkled between your normal, longer videos. That way you can focus on bigger projects while using the stuff that doesn't quite fit (like these amusing frogs) to fill content on the channel. Always enjoy your videos and subject matter regardless!

[@Hetalia973]

whys this have so many views but so little comments?

[@XxarnyxXx]

No need talk the baby is cute

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Thank you so much for this video AND for choosing such relaxing background music 👍

[@sarahbee2884]

Captivating thumbnail, excellent sound effect when the frog slides off the other one 10/10 liked and subscribed

[@Novastars8877]

The phrase “Frog Glue” Sent me into a laughing fit, and that delivery too!!

[@Secter84]

I actually learned of a new frog today. I'm always amazed at how each creature has a way to find a way to live and make it work.

[@NoryIX]

firsy video i’ve seen by you, kept my interest the entire, keep it up!!

[@jebtheghillie4512]

Thank you for this, love your essays always!

[@frogpalpeeper4249]

Wonderful video! Informative and funny. Loved it!

[@colewalker8710]

Love everything you do, you are a shining beacon of goodness

[@ketonblaziken]

Worth the wait. This was an excellent video regardless of it's brevity.

[@matheo9150]

Thanks for the informative video!

[@DeRien8]

First, love how you kind of sound like David Spade. Second, the nearly spherical body probably helps reduce moisture and heat loss by minimizing their surface area.

[@Zepollli]

What a handsome fella

[@VerySpicyMemes]

Honestly, this has been the most informative yet hilarious 6 minutes of my life.

[@merrilymud7304]

What a great video! i did totally love that little squeaker but didnt learn much about him before, so thanks! Great Job!

[@kingofwingo]

Good question, looking forward to hearing you explain to me.

[@tinymetaltrees]

Breviceps! Such cool little goofballs! Nice topic choice. 😃

[@sofiaschoenwandt3742]

This is one of my comfort videos. Rain frogs are my favorite animal and I hope to have one of my own one day. Lovely video :))!!!

[@Tommyxp420]

This was just a genuinely great video. Thanks man. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Took me back to my youth and countless days of watching animal planet and national geographic. 💯❤️

[@nortok00]

Wow! Very cool video. I have never heard of these frogs before but they're cute in an oddball way. I wonder if having such a small head (to the point of having no head) makes them less vulnerable to being grabbed by the head or maybe they just look like a rock so predators simply walk right on by. Great video! Thanks for taking the time to make it! 👍

[@jessicacarranza4010]

0:59 awww ❤

[@TaraMolohon-lb1zn]

I am a huge fan of amphibians but this is definitely one of the coolest things I've watched in a long while! How amazing is it to see all this information in one place and still get a bit serious about the whole situation. I guess you just gotta know where to find your info on weird critters in the neighborhood. ❤😁

[@whiny3538]

Thank you sooo much for a video! You are like this smart friend who's always got smth new to tell. Wish you success

[@KFrost-fx7dt]

Bless their tiny hearts. They absolutely need bodies of water for their eggs and tadpoles. May their seasonal rains forever return!

[@laravincent5659]

They don’t make tadpoles ☺️

[@official-obama]

@@laravincent5659 they do.

[@laravincent5659]

@@official-obama No, they don't. rain frogs lay eggs which hatch into froglets, skipping the tadpole stage that other frogs have. You can look it up :)

[@official-obama]

@@laravincent5659 apparently, they don't technincally skip the stage

[@laravincent5659]

@@official-obama where are you getting your information? "The frogs don’t have a free tadpole stage; instead, they emerge from the eggs as froglets". "The eggs hatch into froglets, which do not go through a free-living tadpole stage like many other frog species. Instead, the froglets emerge fully formed from the eggs and are able to move and hunt for insects on their own."

[@skinnypig4299]

I love rain frogs almost as much as I love your content 💚

[@soleilbelkis9010]

Precious video! 💗🤗✨️ Thank you so much. I'm learning a lot with it. 💞🙏😘

[@theequitableprose]

Well researched. And very good editing.

[@benrobinett3396]

What a fine gent indeed

[@yungo1rst]

very adorable creatures. didnt know people were importing them. if you want one, make a plush with the sounds randomized on a voice box.

[@veryfawni]

@@D2.159 as much as I would love to see these little guys running around outside my house, I would just move to where I can see them :D

[@Spineless-Lobster]

I just subbed to a channel today that shows these little guys, this video has come at the perfect time!

[@GaryKing564]

I’ve honestly watched all the videos that you posted so far so you better make more because I also like your videos and I only like videos Im subscribe2 so make more plz they are quite interesting I do like your narrative on the ancient part of life please do more of that whether you think it or not you’re going somewhere buddy

[@joshuacoleman3426]

He angry 2:07

[@3417gekkou]

3:07 double cheeked up

[@colleenverdon6315]

Loved this!

[@jadethegingergoblin718]

These are my favorite animals! My husband ordered me a set of Breviceps adspersus toys from Japan for my birthday last year.

[@a_naotenhonome780]

These frogs are weirdly cute. Keep up with quality content

[@ashquamarine]

Q: why is he so round and head so small? A: he's just a lil guy!! A lil round boy! 🐸💕

[@riley4767]

This is the best video the algorithm has ever recommended to me. Didn’t stop grinning the whole video. Thank you for this gem and for introducing me to these lovely beans.

[@thewurstcase261]

Thank you. I needed this. Best thing I saw today.

[@noahpetherbridge5127]

LMAO I laughed out loud when you said “which admittedly, isn’t much” after “they are free to do whatever they want”

[@esherteeedits8224]

Greatest frog

[@lilliandozier9604]

Was fun to watch, and interresting. 💚

[@jannetteberends8730]

It’s no problem that it’s short. Just watched it two times. ZeFrank also did a short video, so you’re in good company. Right after your video came a video made by a Dutch channel about the moor frog.

[@edrozenrozen9600]

Only the cutest being ever! 🥰

[@audio_boys]

As for the small head, think about it: if you have less moisture to go around, you want a smaller mouth and thus a smaller head so you don't have to produce as much saliva, especially if your prey is tiny anyway.

[@jillianlarkan4931]

Loved these interesting facts. Thank you.

[@insert9291]

Thank you so much for the video! im doing a science project on them in school and couldent find a ton of good sources. Thanks!

[@twistedmindssweettea]

They are actually called/considered "potato fairies" 😁 it's a special frog.

[@roydemeoscat7205]

Aw!! Cutie patootie 💕🐸 edit: FOGLETS!! How can they get any more cute?! Ps "war cry" !!!

[@AndrewChumKaser]

Roundness also minimizes surface area. The less area to lose moisture in the desert makes sense, just like a cactus basically being a robust water balloon. Could explain the head shape as well.

[@lighthouse-witch]

I just love how they always look so upset, like an annoyed grandparent telling kids off their lawn or not to play ball near the windows

[@einienj3281]

Adorable! ♥️♥️

[@roydemeoscat7205]

Yes!!

[@ironbarsjack7977]

3:54 you can’t just show me that and not explain

[@bvillebikelady3651]

They're absolutely adorable! I need to crochet some!

[@stephenbrand5661]

SO excited to get my wild caught specimens delivered!!!