Lohit took a close-up of the unusual amphibian and posted the photo online; The photo attracted the attention of mycologists or fungi experts. They identified the fungus as cap fungus, a common type of fungus that often grows on decaying plant debris. However, this is the first time the cap fungus has been seen on a living animal.

The mechanism of this rare event is still unclear, as scientists did not collect the frog or mushroom for further analysis. However, possible explanations include fungal infection, parasitic relationships, or symbiosis. The frog and the mushroom turned out to be alive and healthy, indicating that they did not harm each other.

Cap fungus on the surface of a frog / Photo: WWF-India

This discovery adds mystery and diversity to the mushroom kingdom, which has been shown to have incredible abilities such as:

• infestation and pest control,
• glow in the dark
• decomposition of pollutants.