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
Leptodactylus melanonotus
Black-backed Frog
Hallowell, 1860
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium-sized frog with a robust body shape and strong limbs. Its dorsal coloration is predominantly brown, with a distinctive dark patch covering much of the back. The skin has fine longitudinal folds.
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.Leptodactylus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Hallowell, 1860
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.
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 a wide range of open or semi-open habitats, including ponds, swamps, rice paddies, and roadsides. It is a pioneer species that quickly colonizes disturbed water bodies.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Active both day and night, but reproductive choruses are heard intensely during rainy nights.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Highly social during reproduction, males form dense groups and vocalize near the water edge.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Active surface hunter. Captures prey by detecting vibrations and movement, jumping onto them with precision.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Generalist predator. Consumes almost any appropriately sized arthropod found on the ground or near water.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous with foam nest. The female creates a foam nest over the water where the eggs develop.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
3.0 - 4.2 cm
Weight (Grams)
2 g - 5 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.150 - 400
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
Smaller males with notably more muscular forearms, used for territorial combat and foam nest formation.
Females Multi-lang
Females are larger, with a wider body to house the egg mass during the pre-laying phase.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Reproductive resilience: Its ability to use small temporary ponds allows it to avoid competition and predation present in larger, permanent water bodies.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Wetland alteration and use of agrochemicals. Although it tolerates disturbance well, excessive draining of lowland areas reduces its breeding sites.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Aggressive behavior: Males often engage in physical confrontations for access to better areas within the pond.