Costa Rica Species
Cranopsis fastidiosa
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.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting

Cranopsis fastidiosa

Fastidious Toad

Cope, 1875

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Small to moderate-sized toad, notable for its well-defined cephalic crests and finely granulated skin texture. Its coloration is usually cryptic, varying between brown, gray, and reddish tones.

Added by

Anonymous Curator

Reviewed by

Julia Trouin

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).Bufonidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Cranopsis
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Cope, 1875
Record Completeness
61%
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.

Carnivore

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 mainly cloud forests and humid tropical rainforests at moderate altitude, often associated with dense leaf litter.

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

Mainly nocturnal and terrestrial habits; highly dependent on ambient humidity.

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

Solitary; usually remains hidden and is difficult to observe.

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

Active forager; explores the leaf litter on rainy nights.

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

Carnivore; consumes a varied diet of small forest invertebrates.

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

Oviparous; deposits eggs in temporary ponds or streams.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

4.0 - 7.0 cm

Weight (Grams)

10 g - 40 g

Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.50 - 200
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).

5 - 8

Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males--
Females--

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

Males Multi-lang

Males with subtle vocal calls and more marked crests.

Females Multi-lang

Females slightly more robust.

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

Cephalic crests: Aid in protecting the head and provide an irregular profile that improves camouflage.

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

Forest habitat degradation and changes in rainfall patterns due to climate change.

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

The name 'fastidious' is a literal translation, but in practice, it refers to its discreet and selective behavior in its refuge sites.