Eupsophus calcaratus


Eupsophus calcaratus is a species of frog in the family Alsodidae.
It is endemic to Patagonia. It has one of the broadest distributions of any Chilean frog.

Description

Eupsophus calcaratus are moderate-sized frogs measuring in snout–vent length. Head is wider than long and snout is rounded. Skin is only slightly granulated but has many spots and reticulated pattern. The colouration is highly variable, but it usually has a characteristic, hourglass-shaped pattern in its head.
The tadpoles develop in water-filled cavities on the ground. Males show parental care: they remain with the eggs and tadpoles. Tadpoles are endotrophic.

Habitat and conservation

Its natural habitat is humid Nothofagus temperate forest. It occurs in shady microhabitats.
The species is common in appropriate habitats. Nevertheless, habitat loss and degradation due to deforestation is a major threat, and water pollution caused by forestry work is also a threat.