Spaldings Robber Frog

About the Spaldings Robber Frog

Eleutherodactylus gossei is a species of frog in the family Eleutherodactylidae. It is endemic to Jamaica where it is widespread. An introduced population existed in Bermuda but appears to have been extirpated. The specific name gossei honors Philip Henry Gosse, an English naturalist, missionary, and science writer. Its common names are Jamaican forest frog and Spaldings robber frog, the latter apparently after Spaldings, its type locality.

Two subspecies are recognized: Eleutherodactylus gossei gossei Dunn, 1926 Eleutherodactylus gossei oligaulax Schwartz and Fowler, 1973 Adult Eleutherodactylus gossei gossei males measure 21–28 mm (0.8–1.1 in) and females 20–34 mm (0.8–1.3 in) in snout–vent length. The most common pattern of the dorsum is mottled or unicolor, depending on the area. Specimens with dorsolateral stripes, middorsal hairline, or purple stripes are less frequent. The ground color is a shade of brown, ranging from rich reddish brown to tan. The venter is usually creamy to faintly yellowish, whereas the throat is highly variable. The groin and the concealed surfaces are red (or pink) to orange.

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