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 bransfordii
Bransford's Robber Frog
Smith, 1959
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A tiny and robust-looking frog, with a highly cryptic coloration pattern that perfectly mimics dry leaf litter. Its skin features granular textures and shades ranging from brown, ocher, and reddish tones, which allows it to remain invisible while moving on the forest floor.
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Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
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.Smith, 1959
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 tropical forests and lowland forests. It is an exclusive ground dweller, preferring areas with abundant cover of dry leaves, branches, and decaying logs that maintain the necessary humidity.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Nocturnal and stealthy species. Although it can be found active during the day on very humid days, its main activity is nocturnal, searching for small invertebrates on the leaf litter while emitting soft and brief vocalizations.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary. Social interactions are limited almost exclusively to the mating season, when males perform short and repetitive calls to mark their territory and attract females.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Ambush predator. Remains motionless on the leaf litter, waiting for prey to move nearby. When this happens, it performs a quick and precise leap, capturing its prey with its sticky tongue.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Specialized insectivore. It feeds on a vast range of small arthropods that inhabit the leaf litter, including mites, ants, springtails, and small spiders, which it locates through its sharp sense of sight.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous species with direct development. The female deposits a small clutch (generally less than 10 eggs) in protected places under logs or moist leaf litter. There is no post-deposition parental care.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
2.0 - 3.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
5 g - 12 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 8
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.
Males2 - 4 Years
Females2 - 4 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are generally smaller, but feature an often darker throat and possess developed vocal sacs for their mating calls.
Females Multi-lang
Females are larger and more robust, allowing them to harbor the development of their eggs before laying. Their coloration is usually more uniform and less contrasted than that of the male.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Direct Development: Like other members of its genus, Craugastor bransfordii avoids the aquatic tadpole phase. Eggs are laid in moist terrestrial locations and fully formed froglets emerge, a crucial strategy in an environment where temporary pools may be ephemeral or dangerous.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Fragmentation: As it depends strictly on the leaf litter layer for its protection and reproductive cycle, excessive clearing of forests or soil compaction drastically reduces the areas available for its survival.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Mastery in camouflage: Its coloration is not static; these frogs can subtly adjust their shades of brown to harmonize with the degree of decay of the leaf litter where they rest, becoming ghosts of the understory.