#heroetology

[arthistoryanimalia]

#FrogFriday:

“he Australian Frog” (Giant Burrowing Frog aka Eastern Owl Frog, Heleioporus australiacus), 1st published image & scientific description by George Shaw & Frederick Nodder in The Naturalist’s Miscellany, Vol. 6, 1794-5, plate 200.

This large, endangered frog species is endemic to coastal areas of New South Wales & Victoria in Australia.

“This animal certainly cannot be numbered amongst the most beautiful of its genus: it is a species, however, which has never before been described, and is more peculiarly interesting from the circumstance of its being a native of the distant region of New Holland, which has added so many zoological treasures to the cabinets of natural history. Its rarity must therefore apologise for its deformity.” 🤨

It should be noted that Shaw was working from a dead specimen - I personally think they’re quite cute, as seen in this photo of a live one! 🥰