Rain Frogs | Herps of Texas

Eleutherodactylus cystignathoides

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Eleutherodactylus cystignathoides

Common Name. Rio Grande Chirping Frog

General information. Eleutherodactylus cystignathoides is nocturnal and remains under cover during the day. Eleutherodactylus cystignathoides darts quickly under cover and can run as well as leap and hop.

Protected status. The Rio Grande Chirping Frog is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Flat, elongated body with pointed snout Toe pads and tubercles on toes

Coloration. Dorsal color varies from brown, gray, or yellow-green with dark spots present on dorsal surface. Ventral surface with translucent skin Dark crossbar pattern on hind limbs.

General distribution. In North America, Eleutherodactylus cystignathoides is found from south Texas to northeast Mexico.

Texas distribution. The single subspecies of Eleutherodactylus cystignathoides found in Texas, E. c. campi, is naturally found only in extreme south Texas; populations have been introduced around San Antonio, Houston, and La Grange.

Habitat. Eleutherodactylus cystignathoides makes its home in palm groves, backyard gardens, and irrigation ditches.

Reproduction. Breeding in Eleutherodactylus cystignathoides takes place in April and May; females lay no more than 12 large eggs.

Size. Eleutherodactylus cystignathoides grows to an adult size of 1.5-2.5 cm (0.5-1 in).

Calls.

Map. Orange counties indicate new county records since previous Herps of Texas update in 1998; all other colored counties reflect known distribution prior to 1998 for species and/or subspecies. Map is based on museum voucher specimens.

Eleutherodactylus guttilatus

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Eleutherodactylus guttilatus

Common Name. Spotted Chirping Frog

General information. Eleutherodactylus guttilatus is nocturnal and remains under cover during the day. This frog tends to walk rather than hop, but can run when disturbed. Eleutherodactylus guttilatus feeds on insects and spiders.

Protected status. The Spotted Chirping Frog is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Flat body with large, flattened head. Smooth skin with dark worm-like pattern on dorsal surface

Coloration. Dorsal coloration varies from yellow to brown. Dark crossbars present on hind limbs. Dark bar between eyes.

General distribution. In North America, Eleutherodactylus guttilatus is found in the Big Bend region of Texas and the adjacent state of Coahuila, Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Eleutherodactylus guttilatus is known from only a handful of localities in Brewster, Jeff Davis, and Presidio Counties.

Habitat. Eleutherodactylus guttilatus prefers canyons, springs, and caves.

Reproduction. Breeding in Eleutherodactylus guttilatus occurs from February to May; females lay less than 16 large eggs.

Size. Eleutherodactylus guttilatus grows to an adult length of 2-3 cm (0.75-1.25 in).

Calls.

Eleutherodactylus marnockii

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Eleutherodactylus marnockii

Common Name. Cliff Chirping Frog

General information. Eleutherodactylus marnockii is nocturnal. This species can run, as well as leap and hop, to seek shelter and will quickly (and easily) slip into cracks to evade predators.

Protected status. The Cliff Chirping Frog is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Flattened head and body, with a proportionately large head and a wide space between the eyes

Coloration. Dorsal coloration has a greenish ground color with brown mottling. Crossbar pattern is also present on hind limbs.

General distribution. In North America, Eleutherodactylus marnockii is found in south-central Texas.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Eleutherodactylus marnockii is restricted to the Hill Country and Edwards Plateau.

Habitat. Eleutherodactylus marnockii is frequently found in limestone cliff crevices and cracks.

Reproduction. Breeding in Eleutherodactylus marnockii peaks in April and May, but egg deposition may occur from February to December; females may lay eggs up to three times a year.

Size. Eleutherodactylus marnockii reaches an adult length around 2-4 cm (0.75-1.5 in).

Calls.

Eleutherodactylus planirostris

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Eleutherodactylus planirostris

Common Name. Greenhouse Frog

General information. Primarily nocturnal, the Greenhouse Frog seeks shelter under vegetation during the day. Essentially any refuge providing a moist microclimate is suitable for this species: greenhouses, dumps, trash piles, and animal burrows. This terrestrial species feeds on ants, beetles, roaches and other small invertebrates.

Protected status. The Greenhouse Frog is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Flat, elongated body with pointed snout Lack of webbing between the toes

Coloration. Brown dorsally, with reddish tones White belly Reddish eyes Two pattern classes: Striped, with longitudinal light-colored stripes Mottled, with dark and light irregular markings.

General distribution. Native to Cuba, but introduced to many islands around the Caribbean as well as the United States (Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas), and Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, this species has been introduced to Galveston Island.

Habitat. In its native habitat, the Greenhouse Frog lives in moist valleys and along small streams.

Reproduction. Breeds May through September during rainy season. Lay eggs under vegetation or debris. Development (tadpole to froglet) takes place entirely within the egg.

Size. Adult Eleutherodactylus planirostris grow to 1.5-3 cm (0.5-1.2 in) total length.

Calls.