What is the Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis natural diet?

Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis, commonly known as the purple frog or the mossy frog, has a rather narrow and specialized diet in its natural habitat. Being predominantly an ambush predator, the frog conceals itself among leaf litter and waits patiently for suitable prey to come within striking distance.

In the wild, Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis primarily feeds on:

Insects: The major part of the purple frog's diet comprises various insect species found in its forest floor habitat. They consume a range of crawling insects such as ants, termites, small beetles, cockroaches, crickets, millipedes, insect larvae, and more.

Arthropods: Apart from insects, Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis also preys on other arthropods. This includes various arachnid species like spiders and scorpions, as well as millipedes and small centipedes.

Earthworms: Earthworms contribute substantially to the frog's diet. Their soft, elongated bodies make them an easy target for the purple frog's predatory behavior.

These food sources provide essential nutrients and energy for the survival and growth of Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis in its natural ecosystem. As the purple frog remains buried underground for an extended period during the dry season, its access to food is closely associated with rainfall and the emergence of its invertebrate prey in the moist conditions of the Western Ghats forests during the monsoon season.