Species information
Scientific name: 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, Kakemaru Island
Ecology and description
The specific name subaspera of Otton frog means raised, referring to the protrusions on its back. The Japanese common name “Otton” means “giant” in the Amami dialect. Male Otton frog can reach a length of 14 cm, making it the largest native frog species in Japan.
Otton frog is closely related to Holst’s frog (Babina holsti), which is found in Okinawajima and Tokashikijima. Both species have thumbs that contain specialized bone spurs (claws) used for fighting with other males or better grasping females. The genus Babina is endemic to Japan and includes only these two species.
Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
