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
Engystomops pustulosus
Túngara Frog
Cope, 1864
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small, robust frog with warty skin that gives it a rough appearance. Its coloration is typically brown or gray, with patterns that blend perfectly with the mud and leaf litter where it lives.
Added by
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).Leptodactylidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Engystomops
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Cope, 1864
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 a wide variety of environments, from humid jungles to urban areas, gardens, and agricultural zones. It is a species highly tolerant of human disturbance.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Nocturnal and active species. Congregates massively in puddles and temporary ponds after rain to start its reproductive choruses.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Social during the breeding season, forming choruses where males actively compete for the attention of females.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. Searches for prey in leaf litter and captures them quickly with its sticky tongue.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Opportunistic insectivore. Its diet consists mainly of ants, beetles, spiders, and other small soil invertebrates.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous with foam nests. Eggs are deposited in a foam nest that floats in the water until the tadpoles hatch.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
3.0 - 4.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
1 g - 3 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.100 - 300
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 - 4
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 somewhat smaller and possess highly distensible vocal sacs to produce their complex calls.
Females Multi-lang
Females are larger and more robust, allowing for a greater capacity for egg-laying in the foam nest.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Behavioral adaptability: Males can adjust the complexity of their call based on the presence of competitors or predators (like bats).
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Although resilient, contamination of temporary ponds and alteration of rain cycles can reduce its reproductive success.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Foam nest: The female beats the eggs with her hind legs along with glandular secretions to create a floating foam nest that protects the clutch.