Costa Rica Species
Craugastor fitzingeri
AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting

Craugastor fitzingeri

Fitzinger's Robber Frog

Lynch, 1966

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium-sized frog characterized by its slenderness and long hind limbs, which give it a remarkable jumping ability. Its skin is smooth or slightly granular, showing a highly variable coloration that can range from cream and light brown tones to reddish or grayish shades, frequently with a dark dorsolateral band.

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Last modified by

Julia Trouin

TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.

PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Amphibia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Anura
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Craugastoridae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Craugastor
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Lynch, 1966
Record Completeness
96%
Coming soon

Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.

OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.

Native

Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.

Stable

Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.

Year Round

Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.

Insectivore

Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.

Yes

Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang

Inhabits the understory of humid jungles, gallery forests, and disturbed areas near water bodies. It is a highly adaptable species that thrives in both primary forests and areas with some degree of human intervention.

BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang

Mostly nocturnal species, active on the forest floor. They are very vocal during rainy nights, emitting repetitive songs that facilitate the meeting between individuals for mating.

Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang

Solitary, except during the breeding season. Males actively defend small areas through vocalizations, competing for access to females in resource-rich areas.

Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang

Active ground hunter. Uses its vision to detect the movement of small prey among the leaf litter and then moves quickly to catch them with its protractile tongue.

Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang

Generalist insectivore. It feeds on a great variety of insects and small arthropods, such as beetles, crickets, ants, and spiders, which it hunts through a stalking strategy.

Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang

Oviparous species with direct development. The female deposits her eggs in hidden cavities in the soil or under dense leaf litter. Hatchlings emerge as tiny froglets, without passing through the tadpole phase.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

3.0 - 5.0 cm

Weight (Grams)

8 g - 25 g

Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.5 - 12
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes

Lifespan

Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.

1 - 2 Years

Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).

2 - 3

Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males3 - 5 Years
Females3 - 5 Years

Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.

Males Multi-lang

Males are slightly smaller in size, but possess more evident vocal sacs and a throat with a distinct coloration, facilitating their identification during mating calls.

Females Multi-lang

Females possess a more robust body structure and a larger size, which is necessary to harbor the development of the egg clutch before the breeding season.

Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang

Evasion Jump: It possesses highly developed posterior musculature that allows it to perform long and fast jumps to escape predators, a fundamental technique in its fight for survival in the understory.

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang

Degradation of microhabitats: The removal of leaf litter for gardening practices or deforestation directly affects its ability to find shelter and reproduce in its natural environment.

Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang

Dietary Adaptability: It is capable of consuming a wide range of prey, which has allowed it to colonize forest edges where other more specialized species fail.