Eleutherodactylus eileenae facts for kids

The Eleutherodactylus eileenae is a type of frog that belongs to the Eleutherodactylidae family. This frog is special because it is endemic to Cuba, meaning it lives only there. You can find it across the western and central parts of the island. People often call it Eileen's robber frog or the Cuban free-fingered frog. It was named after someone called "Eileen," but we don't know who she was.

About Eileen's Robber Frog

What Does It Look Like?

Eleutherodactylus eileenae frogs can grow up to about 33 mm (1.3 in) long, measured from their snout (nose) to their vent (bottom). Their head is usually wider than their body. The tips of their fingers and toes have special sticky pads called discs, which help them climb.

Their skin on their back, called the dorsum, has small bumps and granules. Often, you can see two larger bumps near their shoulders. Their eyelids also have these small bumps. The skin on their belly, called the ventrum, feels bumpy too.

Colors and Patterns

The color of these frogs can change! They might be light brown, reddish brown, yellowish, or dark brown. They often have different patterns on their back:

• A "W" shape near their shoulders.
• Two marks that look like inverted parentheses, like ")(".
• A large reddish area on the front half of their body.
• Their sides might be darker than their back.
• Some even have a white or yellow stripe down the middle of their back.

Most of these frogs have a dark stripe between their eyes. A fold of skin above their ear drum (called the supratympanic fold) is often outlined in black. Their belly is usually white, but sometimes their throat is a bit brown with a clear line down the middle. Male frogs have a special pouch called a vocal sac that they use to make calls.

Where Do They Live and How Are They Protected?

Their Home and Daily Life

Eleutherodactylus eileenae frogs live in different kinds of moist forests where the trees form a thick roof, blocking out much of the sunlight. They can be found at elevations below 830 m (2,723 ft).

During the day, these frogs hide in places like leaf litter, cracks in rocks, or small holes to stay safe. When night comes, they become active and start moving around. They mostly live on the ground, but male frogs that are calling out to attract mates might sit on rocks or plants. They usually perch about 1 to 2 meters (3 to 7 feet) above the ground, but sometimes even higher! However, males guarding their eggs will often call from the ground.

Frog Babies: Direct Development

These frogs have a unique way of developing. Their eggs go through "direct development." This means that instead of hatching into tadpoles that live in water, the eggs hatch directly into tiny froglets that look like miniature adults. There is no free-swimming larval stage.

Conservation Efforts

The Eleutherodactylus eileenae is a common frog and can be found in many places. However, it still faces some dangers. Things like farms expanding, pollution, and building new homes and tourist spots can threaten their habitats. Luckily, this frog lives in several protected areas, which helps keep them safe.

See also

In Spanish: Eleutherodactylus eileenae para niños