08. The frogs were hoping for a ride

In nature, there is a phenomenon called mutualism, which is an ecological relationship between individuals of different species, wherein both benefit from the interaction.

This dynamic is quite fascinating and can be observed especially between tarantulas and certain species of frogs. They essentially keep each other as pets to protect themselves from other predators.

While I don’t believe mutualism precisely describes what is happening in the picture above, these frogs have hopped onto a snake for a free ride, as if it were public transportation.

This phenomenon is not well-documented to have a specific explanation by specialists. Nevertheless, animals hitching rides on other animals occur for various reasons, and frogs riding on snakes might be more of an incidental occurrence, possibly motivated by camouflage and body temperature regulation.

Either way, the snake appears unbothered, as if it is its duty to transport these frogs to their destinations, wherever that may be. It seems kind of sweet, doesn’t it?