On social media, many viewers were stunned by a viral photo of a frog with a ‘massive penis.’
The image sparked widespread debate across various platforms.
A viral photo of an Amphibian seemingly possessing an unusually large penis has sparked a wave of disbelief and amusement online.
However, the shocking image is not what it seems.
Experts have stepped in to clarify the true nature of the photo, which dates back to 2016 and originated from Australia.
The viral image: what really happened?
Social media frenzy about frog with ‘massive penis’
In 2016, a photo of an amphibian lying on its back with what appeared to be a massive penis went viral.
Captured by a Facebook user in Australia, the image quickly gained traction, leaving many stunned.
The simple caption “What the frog” led to widespread jokes and comments like, “Some frog is gonna be happy.” However, the image is not as strange as it seems.
Social media reaction.
In the comment section, many viewers were stunned by the amphibian with a ‘massive penis,’ while others suggested that this amphibian might have a genetic mutation.
One person said: Massive huh, that gave me some new found confidence
A second wrote: Netflix : *heavy breathing*
While a third commented: I’m well jealous of that amphibian, I’m going to retreat into my own little space
Another added: frogs don’t actually have willies, the third leg is most likely the third ‘extra partially formed leg.
Someone else said: My luck! Go on a date to a pond picnic and this dude rolls up.
The truth behind the “third leg”
Gerry Marantelli from the Australian Amphibian Research Centre debunked the misconception. They expained that amphibian don’t actually have penises.
What people mistook for genitalia is likely a partially formed extra leg. Marantelli told Buzzfeed, “It’s not a penis, frogs don’t have them. But penises did evolve from ‘legs’ during embryonic development, so an extra leg is partway there.”
How amphibian reproduce
External fertilization
Frogs have a unique way of reproducing. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), most amphibian species rely on external fertilization.
During mating, the male frog clasps the female in a position called amplexus.
As the female releases eggs, the male fertilizes them externally.
Amplexus: nature’s amphibian hug
The American Museum of Natural History notes that amplexus can last for hours or even days.
In some extreme cases, pairs have remained in amplexus for months.
While this process might seem drawn-out, it ensures the eggs are fertilized efficiently.
In the UK, frogs, toads, and newts are the most common amphibians.
Unfortunately, their habitats are under threat due to the loss of ponds, hedgerows, and grasslands, making it harder for these creatures to thrive.
The most frequently spotted species in the UK is the *Rana temporaria*, a primarily terrestrial frog. Its color can vary, ranging from yellow to pink, red, orange, or even black.
Supporting amphibian habitats
If you’d like to help protect these amphibians, creating pond habitats or compost heaps in your garden can be beneficial.
Such environments encourage species like slow worms, grass snakes, and frogs to breed.
While the viral photo of an amphibian with a “massive penis” amused and shocked many, the reality is less surprising.
Frogs don’t have penises, and what appeared in the image was likely an extra leg.
