Colombian four-eyed frog
| Colombian four-eyed frog | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Leptodactylidae |
| Genus: | Pleurodema |
| Species: | P. brachyops |
| Binomial name | |
| Pleurodema brachyops (Cope, 1869) | |
The Colombian four-eyed frog (Pleurodema brachyops; in Spanish: sapito lipon) is a species of frog in the family Leptodactylidae. It is found in an area stretching from Guyana and northern Brazil (Roraima state) through Venezuela (including Isla Margarita) and Colombia into Panama as well as the Dutch Caribbean.[2][3][1]
Etymology
The common name "four-eyed frog" refers to two inguinal poison glands that resemble eyes.[4]
Behavior
When threatened, the frog lowers its head and raises its rear. When the frog adopts this posture, the poison glands are also raised toward the predator. The predator may also confuse the frog's raised posterior for the head of a larger animal.[5]
Habitat
The natural habitat of the Colombian four-eyed frog is open savanna and grassland and has been found in some modified habitats. Scientists have seen it between 0 and 500 m (0 and 1,640 ft) above sea level and have reported it in protected areas.[1]
Reproduction
When the seasonal rains begin, the frogs emerge from the sand. They can breed in ephemeral and permanent pools of water. The adult frog makes a foam nest for the eggs.[1]
Threats
The IUCN classifies this species as least concern of extinction. It has large areas of suitable habitat remaining.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group. (2023). "Pleurodema brachyops". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2023 e.T57283A54352211. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2023-1.RLTS.T57283A54352211.en. Retrieved 2 April 2026.
- ↑ Frost, Darrel R. (2014). "Pleurodema brachyops (Cope, 1869)". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
- ↑ "Pleurodema brachyops (Cope, 1869)". AmphibiaWeb. University of California, Berkeley. Retrieved April 2, 2026.
- ↑ "Species profile: four-eyed frog". Conservacion Patagonic. 2012-11-16. Archived from the original on January 9, 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
- ↑ Duellman, William E. (1994). Biology of Amphibians. Baltimore: JHU Press. p. 670. ISBN 978-0-8018-4780-6.