Smilisca fodiens (Boulenger, 1882)

Taxonomy and Common Names

Smilisca fodiens (Boulenger, 1882), commonly called the lowland burrowing tree frog or northern casquehead frog, is a frog species that belongs to the Hylidae family.

Geographic Range

This species ranges from south-central Arizona in the United States southward through the coastal plain and foothills into western and south-central Mexico.

Natural Habitat and Elevation

Its natural habitats are open mesquite grassland and tropical scrub forests, at elevations ranging from near sea level up to approximately 1,490 meters (4,890 feet) above sea level.

Burrowing Behavior and Breeding Habitat

It is a burrowing species, and is commonly found in rain-filled temporary pools, which serve as its breeding habitat.

Threats and Population Status

This species is threatened by habitat loss driven by agricultural development, despite this, many well-preserved populations of the species have been documented.