Scientists have discovered two new venomous tree frog species with spines on their heads, which they can use to inject poison into assailants.

According to a report published in the science journal Current Biology on Thursday, these species of frogs share a common feature although they are different.

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The frogs have been identified as Aparasphenodon brunoi and Corythomantis greeningi. Both frog species are unique because they release poison in a novel way when they are attacked or threatened.

The Aparasphenodon brunoi and the Corythomantis greeningi both attack assailants with a row of spines on their skulls. These spines can pierce the skin of any predator that ventures too close.

Other frog species usually secrete poison through their skin.

Researchers say the venom released by A. brunoi is considerably more powerful than that released by C. greeningi. And unlike the A. brunoi, the C. greeningi species has developed more spines on its dome and has an enlarged skin gland which secretes venom. However, the A. brunoi has a more toxic skin.

Scientists have not yet been able to ascertain the amount of toxins these frogs possess and how many times they can strike a predator. However, researchers have already identified that the venom they secrete is more lethal than that of a pit viper.

According to Dr. Carlos Jared and Dr. Edmund Brodie of Utah State University, one gram of toxin produced by A. brunoi would be able to kill up to 80 humans.

"It is unlikely that a frog of this species produces this much toxins, and only very small amounts would be transferred by the spines into a wound," Dr. Brodie said. "Regardless, we have been unwilling to test this by allowing a frog to jab us with its spines."

The researchers stumbled on the frogs after Dr. Jared suffered a sting from a C. greeningi spine while handling frogs in a national reserve in Southeastern Brazil. The injury reportedly led to an intense pain which spread through his arm, lasting about five hours.

Although scientists have been aware of these species of frogs for decades, they were previously unaware of their venomous skull spines.

TagsGreening's frog, Venomous Frogs, Aparasphenodon brunoi, Corythomantis greeningi, Bruno's casque-headed frog