In a roadside pond in Karnataka, India, a group of naturalists stumbled upon an extraordinary sight — a golden-backed frog with a tiny mushroom sprouting from its side. This unprecedented event, documented in the journal Reptiles and Amphibians, has left scientists bewildered and intrigued.

The Odd Encounter

The frog, belonging to the species known as Rao’s intermediate golden-backed frog (Hylarana intermedia), displayed an unusual growth — a mushroom identified as a common bonnet from the Mycena genus. The discovery was made by a group of naturalists, including Lohit Y T, a rivers and wetlands specialist with World Wildlife Fund-India in Bengaluru.

Lohit Y T recalls, “When I first observed the frog with the mushroom, I was amazed and intrigued by the sight. My thought was to document it, as this phenomenon is something we have never heard of.”

The Enigmatic Mushroom

The frog, found in June 2023, moved about while the mushroom remained steadfast on its side. Through photographic documentation, mycologists later identified the mushroom as a common bonnet, typically found on rotting wood. Interestingly, a 2023 study suggested that this type of fungus could evolve to thrive on living plants, potentially forming a symbiotic relationship.

Theories and Concerns

While the cause of this peculiar phenomenon remains unknown, scientists have put forth theories. Alyssa Wetterau Kaganer, a postdoctoral associate at Cornell University, finds the discovery fascinating, emphasizing the adaptability of fungi to new hosts and environments. The fate of the frog is uncertain, but Kaganer suggests that if the mushroom growth is mild, the frog may withstand it. However, extensive growth could lead to fungal disease.

Karthikeyan Vasudevan, chief scientist at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology in Telangana, India, highlights the significance of monitoring such instances, stating, “Sick animals in the wild have very little chance of survival. Therefore, something like this is interesting and should be followed up with observations and screening of frogs.”

Chytrid Disease Connection

Given India’s current battle with chytridiomycosis, a frog-killing disease caused by fungus, concerns arise about the frog’s susceptibility. While the specific mushroom is not closely related to chytridiomycosis-causing fungi, it remains uncertain whether the frog’s condition affects its susceptibility to this disease.

Unlikely Pursuit and Future Observations

Despite the mystery surrounding the frog with a mushroom companion, the researchers do not harbor hopes of pursuing the frog further. The rarity of such a phenomenon adds to the challenge. However, they plan to revisit the site during the next monsoon season to see if they can find more instances and allow researchers to delve deeper into this unique occurrence.

The roadside pond in Karnataka has become an unexpected focal point for enthusiasts and experts alike, holding the potential for further investigations. As scientists grapple with the enigma of a live mushroom on a live frog, the scientific community eagerly awaits the next chapter of this intriguing story during the upcoming monsoon season.