Frogs, Toads, and Authors Frogs and Toads of Conservation Jenna M. Cole, Sarah K. Cooke, Venetia Northern Belize There are 35 species of frogs and S. Briggs-Gonzalez, Justin R. Dalaba, toads (38 amphibian species) and Frank J. Mazzotti recorded in Belize. Here we present some of the most common species found in and around Lamanai and the New River watershed. Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Frogs and toads have played an IFAS Publication WEC394 important role in ancient Maya edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw439 culture and can be seen in drawings May 2018 and figurines. Most species emerge with summer rains to breed and Photos courtesy of Mike Rochford males are often found calling in a and Michiko Squires, with assistance by Abdul Ramirez chorus in or near water. Females deposit eggs in or above water and Reference tadpoles develop into young frogs Lee, J.C. 2000. A field guide to the amphibians within a few weeks. and reptiles of the Maya world: the lowlands of Mexico, Northern Guatemala, and Belize. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, New York. Because they are tied to water to complete their life cycle, amphibians are indicators of ecosystem health. They are susceptible to pesticides (including repellants and perfumes), disease, and environmental pollution because of their semi-permeable For more information, contact: skin. There have been worldwide declines in amphibian populations as Lamanai Field Research Center a result of habitat destruction, Indian Church Village urbanization, and the increasing Orange Walk, Belize prevalence of chytrid fungus which is Tel: (501) 678-9785 lethal in some species and causes Email: [email protected] deformities in others. www.lamanai.org crocdoc.ifas.ufl.edu Belize is home to several threatened frog species and the endemic Rana juliani. With increased threats, their future is at risk. This fact sheet will help you identify your frogs and toads in order to better protect them. Like or follow @TheCrocDocs Gulf Coast Toad (Incilius Yellow Treefrog Elegant Narrowmouth valliceps) 73-100 mm (3-4 in) (Dendropsophus Toad (Gastrophryne This medium-sized terrestrial microcephalus) elegans) toad is common in disturbed 21-26 mm (0.6- 22-38 mm (1-1.5 in) habitats. Coloration varies 1 in) A small, triangular from red or gray to deep A small, shaped toad with small brown with warts on the nocturnal tree- eyes and stocky limbs. Gray or tan in color with dorsal surface. They have frog with large short limbs with robust eyes and dark blotches, usually outlined in black. Nocturnal and forearms, and no webbing between the fingers. horizontally elliptical pupils. Coloration terrestrial, occurs in leaf litter but is not common. usually yellow-tan, gray, or orange with Red-eyed Treefrog dark ‘H’ or ‘X’ pattern on back and has (Agalychnis callidryas) Sheep Frog bright yellow toes with toe pads. Common 45-65 mm (1.8-2.6 in) (Hypopachus variolosus) in disturbed areas but absent in forests. 30-45 mm (1.2-1.8 in) Large, but slender, A small terrestrial frog bright green treefrog with a narrow face, with red eyes, that small stout body and Veined Treefrog have conspicuous smooth red-brown skin (Trachycephalus vertically elliptical with a speckled underside. They have a thin white stripe venulosus) pupils. Vocalization is a from eye to base of forelimb. Vocalization is a nasal, sheep 70-102 mm “chac” heard on rainy summer nights. Amplectant pairs are -like bleat. Active at night and feeds on ants and termites. (2.75-4 in) visible on the underside of leaves where females lay egg Large-bodied masses overhanging water. treefrog that Río Grande Leopard Frog (Rana has rough, light- White-lipped Foam berlandieri) 65-114mm (2.6-4.6 in) colored skin with darker blotches. Paired vo- Frog (Leptodactylus Large greenish-brown frog with cal sacs expand up and over the head during fragilis) dark spots and a pair of light- calling. Arboreal, terrestrial, and also found 33-37mm (1.3-1.5 in) colored folds running down its on building walls. Secretes a sticky, milky A small, terrestrial back. It has long, muscular legs and substance that is extremely irritating to eyes. frog with a white leaps into water when startled. stripe on its upper lip. Common in freshwater habitats Body primarily brown and active both day and night. Mahogany Treefrog (Tlalocohyla loquax) or gray with darker spots and blotches. Occupies a variety 33-38 mm (1.3-1.5in) of habitats with permanent water. Makes foam nests. A cream-colored, Mexican Treefrog light brown or Cane Toad (Rhinella (Smilisca baudinii) reddish frog, with marinus) 80-210 50-70 mm (2-2.8 in) distinct reddish mm (3.2-8.4 in) Medium-sized, robust thighs and toe Large, squat frog with large eyes. One webbing. Primarily terrestrial toad with of the most abundant arboreal, but this warty skin. Found in frogs in Belize. Variable color and pattern, nocturnal frog can open habitats and commonly referred to as “camouflage treefrog,” usually also be found near freshwater ponds in both very abundant in olive, brown, or green with irregular dark blotches. natural and disturbed areas. urban areas, often found under lights. Poison glands on its Nocturnal, terrestrial and arboreal, often seen clinging to back secrete a white, milky toxin that is harmful to humans the sides of buildings near lights and on roads after rains. and can be fatal to dogs and other domestic animals.