Babina subaspera
Japanese Name: オットンガエル
Chinese Name: 隆背拇棘蛙、奧頓蛙
English Name: Otton Frog
Origin: Amami Oshima, Kakeromajima
The Japanese name “Otton” comes from the Amami dialect, meaning “gigantic.” Male Otton Frogs can grow up to 12 cm in length, making them the largest native frog species in Japan.
This species is closely related to Babina holsti, the Holst’s Frog, which is found on Okinawajima and Tokashikijima. Both species possess a bony spine (a claw-like structure) hidden inside the thumb. This feature is used by males in combat and to hold onto females during amplexus.
