Costa Rica Species
Lithobates forreri
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

Lithobates forreri

Forrer's Leopard Frog

Boulenger, 1883

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Medium to large-sized frog, identified by its rounded dark spots bordered by light colors on a greenish or brownish background, which resemble the skin pattern of a leopard.

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).Ranidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Lithobates
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Boulenger, 1883
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

Found in lowlands, in areas of marshy vegetation, ponds, irrigation canals, and stream edges in tropical and subtropical regions.

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

Mainly nocturnal; frequent in the water or near the shores.

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

Social during the breeding season; males form choruses in ponds.

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

Opportunistic forager; captures prey both in the water and on the shore.

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

Carnivore; feeds on aquatic and terrestrial insects, as well as other small invertebrates.

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

Oviparous; deposits egg masses in the water.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

6.0 - 10.0 cm

Weight (Grams)

40 g - 120 g

Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.500 - 3000
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).

10 - 20

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 vocal sacs to amplify the call.

Females Multi-lang

Females larger to maximize egg-laying capacity.

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

Spot pattern: Provides excellent camouflage among aquatic vegetation and bottom detritus.

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

Alteration of wetlands for agriculture and water contamination by agricultural pesticides.

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

It is a very vocal species during the breeding season, with calls that can be heard from long distances in wetlands.