Study the North American toad's projectile tongue in real time and slow motion as it catches insect prey
Real-time and slow-motion footage of a toad seizing prey with its tongue.
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
Transcript
NARRATOR: Toads feed mainly on insects, such as flies and beetles, other small arthropods, and worms. When hunting for food, a toad moves in as close to its prey as possible then flicks out its long sticky tongue and snaps the insect into its mouth in a lightning-quick motion.
This action can be observed in slow motion. When the toad sees a prey, the tongue snaps out. If the prey is touched, it sticks fast, and the tongue is quickly pulled back into the mouth.
This action can be observed in slow motion. When the toad sees a prey, the tongue snaps out. If the prey is touched, it sticks fast, and the tongue is quickly pulled back into the mouth.