Guayaquil Dwarf Frog
Engystomops pustulosus
- Class
- Amphibian
- Rarity
- Common
- Observations
- 2,247
- Most observed in
- 🇵🇦 Panama
- Conservation
- Least Concern
Description
The túngara frog (Engystomops pustulosus) is a species of frog in the family Leptodactylidae. It is a small nocturnal terrestrial frog found in Mexico, Central America, and the northeastern regions of South America. The túngara frog exhibits unique behavior in male/female interactions. Male vocalizations are critical in female mate choice, and females often prefer males who give complex mating calls at a lower frequency rather than simple calls at a higher frequency. This long distance vocalization is the primary mating behavior of túngara frogs, and it is produced by a fibrous mass in the frog's larynx. The túngara frog may also have a mutualistic relationship with tarantulas, where tarantulas participate in predator defense while frogs protect tarantula eggs. Túngara frogs have distinct coloration which helps defend them from predators.
Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article “Túngara frog”.