La Loma Robber Frog

About the La Loma Robber Frog

Pristimantis caryophyllaceus is a species of frog in the family Strabomantidae. It is found in Costa Rica and Panama; records from Colombia prior to 2010 refer to Pristimantis educatoris. However, taxonomy of Pristimantis caryophyllaceus and P. educatoris remain unsettled, and many sources continue to report Pristimantis caryophyllaceus from Colombia.

Pristimantis caryophyllaceus is sometimes known as the La Loma robber frog, after La Loma, its type locality on the trail between Chiriquicito and Boquete, in the Bocas del Toro Province of Panama. Males grow to 24 mm (0.94 in) and females to 26 mm (1.0 in) in snout–vent length. Tympanum is not clearly visible. Dorsal colouration is highly variable: yellow, pinkish, brownish, greyish, or dark green. There are always distinct darker spots on the dorsal surface, in some individuals extending into dark crossbars. The ventral surface is white, sometimes with some dark pigmentation.

Eggs are laid on leaves or on the ground. Females brood the eggs, covering them with their bodies. The species' natural habitats are primary lowland moist and wet forest, premontane wet forests... Wikipedia →