ceratophryine

Ceratophryine is a subfamily of the family Ceratophryidae, which are a group of frogs found in South America. These frogs are characterized by their wide mouths and often formidable appearance, leading to common names such as "horned frogs" or "pac-man frogs" due to their resemblance to the video game character. The subfamily currently contains three genera: Ceratophrys, Chorophryne, and Pygmeophryne.

Species within the Ceratophryine subfamily are primarily terrestrial and are known for their ambush predatory behavior. They typically remain buried in leaf litter or soil, waiting for unsuspecting prey to pass by. Their large mouths are equipped with sharp teeth, which they use to grasp and swallow prey whole. Their diet consists mainly of invertebrates, but larger species are capable of consuming small vertebrates, including other frogs, lizards, and even small mammals.

The distribution of Ceratophryine frogs spans across South America, with different species inhabiting a range of environments from tropical rainforests to grasslands and savannas. Breeding often occurs during the rainy season, and their tadpoles can be large and carnivorous, sometimes exhibiting cannibalistic behavior. The subfamily is of interest to researchers studying amphibian evolution, behavior, and the impact of habitat on species diversity.