By Dan Satherley
South American scientists have discovered some tadpoles let out an audible scream when under threat or distressed.
It was previously believed amphibian larva were mute.
So far, scientists at the National University of La Plata in Buenos Aires, Argentina, have only discovered one species with the ability – the Argentine horned frog, also known Ceratophrys ornata or the 'Pac-Man' frog.
Dr Guillermo Natale was studying the species' mating calls, when he tried to catch a tadpole in a net.
He told the BBC, "We heard a brief, clear and very audible metallic-like sound… That tadpoles communicate somehow is simply amazing."
The discovery suggests amphibian society is more advanced than previously thought.
"We have definitely underestimated their abilities," said Dr Natale.
Tadpoles as young as three days old were found to have the ability to let out the shriek.
3 News