Amazing Frogs

Crucifix Toad

 The Crucifix Toad or Holy Cross Frog (Notaden bennettii) is an Australian, fossorial frog. It is one of the few Australian frogs to display aposematism. It is native to wastern New South Wales, and south western Queensland.

The Crucifix Toad is the most distinctive species of frog within the Notaden genus. Whereas most Notaden frogs are dark brown in colour, the Crucifix Toad exhibits many bright colours. Its dorsal surface is bright yellow, with a cross of many colors centered on the back. The cross is outlined with large, black dots, and filled with white, black and red dots. The ventral surface is white, and the flank's blue.

The Crucifix Toad is a small, and very round frog. Its nose is blunt, and legs and feet are small. As this species is fossorial, the tympanum is hidden. Males reach a length of 6.3 centimetres (2.5 in), and females a length of 6.8 centimetres (2.7 in). The species feet have little "spades" to help them burrow deeply.

The Crucifix Toad is a ground dwelling frog, which inhabits the arid areas of western New South Wales and Queensland. To survive long periods without water, the Crucifix Toad will bury itself underground and encase itself in a cocoon. Upon very heavy rain, they will emerge from the ground, and begin breeding in temporary ponds. The males call from within the pond to attract the female. The call is a "woop". The development of the tadpole is rapid so as to take advantage of the wet conditions and reducing the risk of them dying from the pond drying up. The cycle is so quick it can be over in six weeks.

The frog exudes a tacky and elastic "frog glue" onto its dorsal skin when provoked. Its purpose is uncertain; it may be intended to confuse and deter predators such as snakes, or to trap biting insects (which would later be consumed when the frog sheds and eats its skin).

Male Crucafix Toads have been documented to use this glue to attach themselves onto the larger females during mating. The glue has been found to be stronger than available non-toxic medical adhesives and is the subject of further study. The glue is a protein-based pressure-sensitive adhesive that functions even in wet conditions.

Lungless Frog

The first recorded species of frog that breathes without lungs has been found in a clear, cold-water stream on the island of Borneo in Indonesia. An unassuming little frog from Borneo has been found to have an exceedingly rare anatomical feature - introducing Barbourula kalimantanensis, the only known frog with no lungs.

 

The Bornean flat-headed frog gets all of its oxygen through its skin. Local gold-mining operations, however, are fast polluting the streams where the frog lives. A single specimen of Barbourula was described in the 1970s, but biologists had no idea, until now, that the frog had no lungs.

Budgett's Frog

Budgett's frogs are found in South America, in the countries of Paraguay, Argentina, and Bolivia. Lepidobatrachus frogs are generally a light, olive green in color, sometimes with lighter green or yellow mottling. They are capable of growing to an adult size of 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm).

They have a rounded, flattened body with eyes set high on their head, giving them a blob-like appearance. They have short limbs, which do not make them particularly efficient swimmers. They do not have teeth, but they do have two sharp protrusions inside their large mouth which serve the same purpose.

Budgett's frogs are highly intelligent but aggressive creatures. The two sharp protrusions in their mouth allow them to attack both prey and predator alike. This frog is also known as the "Freddy Krueger" frog, because when frightened, it will open its disproportionately large mouth and emit a grunt or a shrill scream.

It has even been known to bite when cornered by a human or predator. The Budgett's frog is aquatic, and spends much of its time in streams, ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow moving rivers. It is camouflaged to look like a smooth river pebble.

Due to habitat destruction, the Budgett's frog is on the verge of being listed as a threatened species, but they are becoming more common at reptile trade shows. Budgett's frogs are very rare to find in a traditional chain pet shop. The most commonly available species is L. laevis. Due to their comical appearance, they tend to make an attractive option for the intermediate to advanced amphibian keeper. However, Budgett's frogs do not do well in captivity and usually aren't happy.

Suriname Toad

The Suriname toad or star-fingered toad (Spanish: aparo, rana comun de celdillas, rana tablacha, sapo chinelo, sapo chola, or sapo de celdas) (Pipa pipa) is a species of frog in the Pipidae family.

It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical swamps, swamps, freshwater marshes, and intermittent freshwater marches. It is threatened by habitat loss.

The appearance of the toad is somewhat like a leaf. It is almost completely flat, and colored in a mottled brown. Feet are broadly webbed with the front toes having small, star-like appendages. Sizes of close to 20 cm (8 in), are recorded, though 10-13 cm (4-5 in) is more typical. The Surinam toad has minute eyes, no teeth and no tongue.

Surinam toads are most well known for their remarkable reproductive habits. Unlike the majority of toads, the males of this species doesn't attract mates with croaks and other sounds often associated with these aquatic animals. Instead they produce a sharp clicking sound by snapping the hyoid bone in their throat. 

The partners rise from the floor while in amplexus and flip through the water in arcs. During each arc, the female releases 3-10 eggs, which get embedded in the skin on her back by the male's movements.

After implantation the eggs sink into the skin and form pockets over a period of several days, eventually taking on the appearance of an irregular honeycomb.

The larvae develop through to the tadpole stage inside these pockets, eventually emerging from the mother's back as fully developed toads, though they are less than an inch long (2 cm). Once they have emerged from their mother's back, the toads begin a largely solitary life.

Purple Frog

Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis is a frog species belonging to the family Sooglossidae. It can be found in the Western Ghats in India. Common names for this species are Purple Frog, Indian Purple Frog, Pignose Frog or Doughnut Frog. It was discovered by S.D. Biju and F. Bossyut in October 2003 and was found to be unique for the geographic region.

With its closest relatives in the Seychelles, the Nasikabatrachus is thought to have evolved separately for millennia. Its discovery also adds to the evidence that Madagascar and the Seychelles separated from the Indian landmass sometime well after the breakup of Gondwanaland had started. Owing to its ancient lineage, the purple frog has also been called "the coelacanth of frogs".

The body of Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis is shaped similarly to that of most frogs, but is somewhat rounded compared to other more dorsoventrally-flattened frogs. Its arms and legs splay out in the standard anuran body form. Compared to other frogs, N. sahyadrensis has a small head and an unusual pointed snout. Adults are typically dark purple in color. The specimen with which the species was originally described was seven centimeters long from the tip of the snout to the tip of the urostyle. Also, its cry sounds more like one from a chicken.

The frog spends most of the year underground, surfacing only for about two weeks, during the monsoon, for purposes of mating. The frog's reclusive lifestyle is what caused the species to escape earlier notice by biologists. Unlike many other burrowing species of frogs that emerge and feed above the ground, this species has been found to forage underground feeding mainly on termites using their tongue and a special buccal groove. They show inguinal amplexus when mating afloat in temporary rainwater pools.

Elegance Chapter 2 - EL0002

Elegance Chapter 2 - EL0002, 2010 by Rob Hefferan

Oil on Canvas
42 x 68 cm

Hefferan's Gallery

Night Perspective

Night Perspective, 2010 by Leonid Afremov

Oil on Canvas
38 x 64 cm

Leonid Afremov Gallery

Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale

 

Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., has presented at the Volkswagen Group Night in Frankfurt the most extreme Gallardo ever: the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale.

 

 

Automobili Lamborghini is bringing motor racing excitement directly to the road. This new and most extreme top model in the Gallardo lineup is based on the successful race car from the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, the world's fastest singlemake series.

 

The car will be produced in a limited run of 150 numbered units. The Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo championship brings professional racers and gentlemen drivers face-to-face in fiercely fought battles on Europe's most challenging racetracks such as Monza, Silverstone and Hockenheim.

 

 

 

There are many similarities between the racing and road versions of this super sports car. For example, they both share the same V10 powerplant, which is used in the racing version with no modifications.

 

An enormous and manually variable rear spoiler for increased dynamic loadRight from first glance, these similarities are even more evident in the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale. In fact, it is equipped with the same rear spoiler that offers greater aerodynamic load - reaching in the best aerodynamic condition 3 times the load of the Gallardo LP560-4 - for increased dynamic stability during tight, high-speed driving. As in the race cars, the rear spoiler can be varied manually in order to let the driver optimize the car's performance according to the track or road characteristics.

 

 

Another element taken directly from the racing version is the removable engine hood with quick-release system. Both the spoiler and the hood are of course made of carbon composite material, as are a host of other components on the SuperTrofeo Stradale. Together with aluminum, carbon fiber is the basis behind the extremely lightweight construction of Gallardo's new top model.

 

Lightweight construction through consistent use of carbon fiber
The Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale boasts a maximum dry weight of 1340 kilograms. It beats the already lean Gallardo LP560-4 by 70 kilograms, which gives the Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale a stunning power-toweight ratio of 2.35 kilograms per HP for breathtaking performance. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.4 seconds and reaches 200 km/h just 10.4 seconds later. Its forward thrust finally tops out at 320 km/h.

 

"Rosso Mars" stands for Italy's racing tradition
The Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale sports a brand new "Rosso Mars" finish that underscores the special connection between ultimate race track performance and Lamborghini's "Italianness". The "Rosso Mars" color symbolizes Italy's traditional racing red, as established at the beginning of last century in motor racing, when the home nations of the competitors were indicated by the color of the paint on the vehicles. Dark green stood for Great Britain, blue was for France, white (and silver later on) represented Germany, white and blu stripes for USA, and red was the color of all race cars from Italy.

 

 

 

Red, black and carbon fiber characterize the exterior
The exterior appearance of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale is perfectly accentuated by a matte black finish on the large rear spoiler, the engine hood and the front air intakes, which contrasts with the "Rosso Mars" paint. The forged wheels are painted in high-gloss black, a color that is also available on the roof as an option.

 

 

 

The rocker panel covers, impressive rear diffuser and outside mirror housings are made of carbon fiber polished to a high gloss, while the brake calipers are accented in red for the first time on a Lamborghini. It's a perfect match with the exterior color and racing concept of this new super sports car. And besides the historically suggestive "Rosso Mars", the new Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale is also available upon request in "Grigio Telesto" or "Bianco Monocerus" with the roof available in gloss black as an option, as mentioned above.

 

 

 

Minimalist sporty interior
Black and red, the perfect combination of sporty minimalism, are the dominant shades inside the Super Trofeo Stradale. The most broadly used materials are Alcantara - in "Rosso Mars" on the underside of the dashboard, the central part of the seat cushion and the backrest - and extremely lightweight carbon fiber.

 

 

 

Black Alcantara with contrasting red top-stitching is used to finish the other parts of the interior. The steering wheel is upholstered in black suede and also features red top-stitching. The door panels, the monocoque racing seats and the center console cover are made of carbon fiber, the construction of which Lamborghini has achieved a world-leading expertise. Discreet sporty accents are provided by dark chrome visible metal parts.

 

 

 
Upon request, an interior layout including elements made of carbon fiber, such as the handbrake frame, the middle of the center console, the lower rim of the steering wheel, the decorative frames around the main and secondary instrument panels, the door handles, and the handle for opening the glove box (also available upon request), can be ordered.

Phenomenal powerplant
Like the Super Trofeo competition version, the new Super Trofeo Stradale is based on the Gallardo Superleggera technical approach. The V10 powerplant generates 570 HP, equivalent to 419 kW, which is fully available at 8000 RPM. The maximum torque is equally impressive, with the torque curve peaking at 540 Nm at 6500 RPM. The V10's unique firing order delivers the striking sound you hear in motor racing.

 

 
Transmission "race tested" in the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo championship series
Like the race car, the Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale offers the robotized egear six-speed transmission controlled by steering wheel paddles as standard equipment. This electronically controlled system shifts through its six gears smoothly and much faster than any human being could. And for maximum acceleration from a standing start, the transmission can be set to the "Thrust Mode" - a program that allows to reach the best performance possible executing a racing start with minimal tire slippage at an initial engine speed of approximately 5000 rpm.

Permanent all-wheel drive for maximum traction in any situation
Every kilometer in the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale is packed with sheer excitement, in part due to its unrelenting grip in virtually all situations thanks to all-wheel drive. At the end of the day, the Lamborghini Super Trofeo is the only single-brand racing series in the world that features all-wheel drive race cars. The Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale is a highly concentrated driving machine offering a truly stunning driving experience with breathtaking cornering speeds and fast, immediate response. Its road manners are always precise, stable and completely safe.

Suspension with unmatched precision
The layout of the suspension is directly derived from motor racing, with a double aluminum wishbone guiding the wheels. Precise rack-and-pinion steering gives the driver a very close connection to the road. As is true for the Gallardo Superleggera, the vehicle is specially set up to take full advantage of its dynamic potential. No other model in the Gallardo line is as close to being a true race car. Another great feature is the ultra-lightweight 19-inch wheels, which alone save some 13 kilograms. The lightweight and sturdy wheel bearings and bolts are made from titanium and high performance Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires are fitted.

Brakes with unmatched stopping power
Behind the massive wheels are brakes designed for unmatched stopping power, as controlled by the ESP stability control system, which is standard equipment. The front axle is equipped with aluminum calipers with eight pistons each, and the calipers on the rear axle have four pistons each. The ventilated discs on the front and rear measure 365 and 356 millimeters, respectively. Upon request, Lamborghini will install a carbon-ceramic brake system. The carbon-ceramic discs measure 380 mm for the front wheels and 356 mm for the rear wheels.

Racing-type options
The optional equipment designed with racing in mind includes not only the carbon-fiber ceramic brake discs, but also a tubular interior roll cage, 4-point safety belts and fire extinguisher. On the other hand, those who want comfort can equip their Super Trofeo Stradale with a satellite navigation, with Bluetooth connection for mobile phones, an anti-theft system, and a lifting system that raises the front axle.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale - Technical Data

• CHASSIS AND BODY
  • Frame: Structural aluminium space frame, based on aluminium extruded parts welded to cast aluminium joint elements
  • Body: Aluminium with thermoplastic "hang-on" parts and diffuse use of Carbon Fiber
  • Suspension: Double-wishbone front and rear suspension system, anti-roll bar, anti-dive and anti-squat
  • ESP: Full ESP system with ABS, ASR and ABD
  • Steel brakes: Power vacuum, aluminium alloy callipers: 8 cylinder front callipers and 4 cylinder rear callipers
  • Ventilated discs
    • EU: Ø 365 x 34 mm front - Ø 356 x 32 mm rear
    • US : Ø 14.37 x 1.34 front - Ø 14 x 1.26 rear
  • Steering: Power-assisted rack and pinion
  • Tires (front - rear): Pirelli P ZERO CORSA 235/35 ZR 19 - 295/30 ZR 19
  • Wheels (front - rear): Aluminium alloy: 8.5" x Ø 19" - 11" x Ø 19"
  • Kerb-to-kerb turning circle: 11.5 m (37,7 ft)
  • Mirrors: External mirror manually foldable
  • Rear spoiler: Manually variable wing set up
  • Airbags: Front "dual-stage" driver and passenger airbags
• ENGINE
  • Type: 10 cylinders V 90°, DOHC 4 valves, common-pin crankshaft
  • Displacement: 5204 cc (317,6 cu in)
  • Bore and stroke: Ø 84.5 mm x 92.8 mm (Ø 3,33 in x 3,65 in)
  • Valve gear: Chain-driven, intake and exhaust continuously variable valve timing, electronically controlled
  • Compression ratio: 12,5:1
  • Maximum power: 419 kW (570 CV) at 8000 rpm
  • Maximum torque: 540 Nm at 6500 rpm (398,3 ft lbs at 6500 rpm)
  • Emission class: EURO 5 - LEV 2
  • Emission control system: Catalytic converters with lambda sensors
  • Cooling system: Two water radiators + oil-to-water cooler, engine and gearbox radiator
  • Engine management system: Bosch MED 9
  • Lubrication system: Dry sump
• DRIVETRAIN
  • Type of transmission: Permanent 4-wheel drive with viscous traction system
  • Gearbox: 6-speed + reverse; Standard robotised sequential e-gear system with actuation by paddles on the steering column
  • Clutch: Double plate, Ø 215 mm (Ø 8,46 in)
• PERFORMANCE
  • Top speed: 320 km/h (198.8 mph)
  • Acceleration
  • 0-100 km/h [0-62 mph]: 3.4 sec.
  • 0-200 km/h [0-124 mph]: 10.4 sec
• DIMENSIONS
  • Wheelbase: 2560 mm (100,8 in)
  • Overall length: 4386 mm (172,7 in)
  • Overall width (excluding mirrors): 1900 mm (74,8 in)
  • Overall height: 1165 mm (45,9 in)
  • Track (front - rear): 1632 mm - 1597 mm (64,3 in - 62,9 in)
  • Dry weight: 1340 kg (2954 lb)
  • Weight distribution (front - rear): 43% - 57%
• TANK CAPACITIES
  • Fuel tank: 90 litres (23,8 US gal)
  • Engine oil: 10 litres (2,6 US gal)
  • Engine coolant: 20 litres (5,3 US gal)
• CONSUMPTION
  • Urban cycle: 20,4 l/100 km (13 mpg)
  • Extra urban cycle: 9,4 l/100 km (20 mpg)
  • Combined: 13,5 l/100 km (16 mpg)
  • CO2 emission: 319 g/km

 Official website about Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale