Here’s why pumpkin toadlets are such clumsy jumpers

Tiny inner ear canals may make it hard for the frogs to orient themselves in space

An orange Brachycephalus or pumpkin toadlet frog photographed from the front, showing his large black eyes.

Tiny Brachycephalus frogs from southern Brazil can leap into the air but have trouble landing.

Luiz F. Ribeiro

Some frogs just can’t stick the landing.