Engystomatidae

/ˌɛndʒɪstoʊˈmætɪdi/ noun

Definition

A family of small frogs characterized by a narrow mouth opening, found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Etymology

From Greek engys ('near' or 'narrow') + stoma ('mouth') + -idae (taxonomic family suffix). The family name describes these frogs' distinguishing narrow-mouthed feature.

Kelly Says

These frogs are called 'narrow-mouths' because their mouths are slits compared to regular frogs—they use this specialized mouth shape to eat tiny insects, and the family name literally translates to describing this weird adaptation.

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