Costa Rica Species
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

Incilius auaritocu

Auaritocu Toad

(Mendelson et al., 2011)

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small-to-medium toad with a characteristic granular skin texture and distinctive cranial crests.

Added by

Anonymous Curator

Reviewed by

Under Review

Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.

Auaritocu ToadSapo auaritocu

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.Incilius
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Mendelson et al., 2011)
Record Completeness
94%
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 premontane and lower montane humid forests, often found in proximity to stream environments.

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

Mainly nocturnal; semi-aquatic behavior during the breeding season.

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

Solitary, congregating only at water sources for reproduction.

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

Generalist invertivore.

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

Feeds primarily on small ground-dwelling invertebrates.

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

Deposits eggs in slow-moving streams or temporary pools.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

4.0 - 8.0 cm

Weight (Grams)

15 g - 60 g

Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.200 - 800
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.

12 - 18 Months

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

2 - 5

Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males3 - 6 Years
Females3 - 6 Years

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

Males Multi-lang

Males are smaller and have nuptial pads on their thumbs.

Females Multi-lang

Females are larger and lack nuptial pads.

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

Specialized cranial crests and parotoid glands for defense and recognition.

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

Habitat degradation and the presence of chytrid fungus in high-altitude environments.

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

This species has a specific vocalization pattern that distinguishes it from other closely related Incilius species.