Eleutherodactylus cystignathoides (Cope, 1877)

Description

Size and Body Shape

Adult male Eleutherodactylus cystignathoides measure 16–24 mm (0.6–0.9 in) in snout–vent length, while adult females measure 16–26 mm (0.6–1.0 in) in the same measurement. The species has a pointed snout, and a flat, elongated body.

Skin and Limb Features

The tympanum is visible, and the finger tips are slightly expanded. The dorsal skin is weakly pustular, while the ventral skin ranges from smooth to areolate.

Coloration

Dorsal coloration is variable, including shades of brown, gray, or yellow-green, and features dark spots. Ventral skin is translucent, and the hind limbs bear dark crossbars.

Habitat and conservation

Habitat Range

Eleutherodactylus cystignathoides lives on low elevation coastal plains, and in foothills at low to moderate elevations. Individuals are found in moist shaded vegetation, palm groves, thickets, ditches, resacas, lawns, and gardens, with many records coming from urban settings.

Behavior

During the day, these frogs hide under cover objects, and have been observed using arboreal perches 0.2–1.5 m (7.9–59.1 in) above the ground.

Conservation Status

This species is quite common across its range, no major threats to it are known, and it appears to thrive in areas inhabited by humans. Within its Mexican distribution, it occurs in Sierra del Abra-Tamchipa and El Cielo Biosphere.

Reproduction

Reproductive Type

Reproduction in Eleutherodactylus cystignathoides is terrestrial and direct, with no free-living larval stage. Under laboratory conditions, females lay eggs just below the soil surface.

Clutch Details

Clutch size ranges from 5 to 13 eggs, each measuring 3–3.5 mm (0.12–0.14 in) in diameter. Eggs hatch directly into froglets that measure approximately 5–8.5 mm (0.20–0.33 in).