Family: Leptodactylidae
Common names: Chac's Rainfrog or Maya Rainfrog
1) Description
Smallest of the Belizean rainfrog species, max svl 40mm (adult male 20-27mm, female 31-39mm).
Closely related to E.laticeps, and E.rhodopis. Colour : variable - tan, yellow tan, brown, reddish brown, grey-brown dorsum - weakly granular and most specimens have several enlarged often paired dorsal tubercles. Thin pale mid-dorsal line often present. Side of face usually black or dark brown, the dark coloration continues as a line/stripe behind the eye, across the ear until a point about halfway down the flank. The iris can be described as red / or reddish bronze above and brown below (compare to E.laticeps copper coloured above + brown below). Venter is immaculate white, cream or grey. A dark seat patch surrounds the vent (distinguishing from E.laticeps). Alternating light and dark bands on the upper surfaces of the limbs (compare to S.leprus). Toes have basal vestigial webbing and an inner tarsal fold (absent in E.rhodopis). Intra-specific variation can result in some individuals lacking a dark face and most dorsal markings
2) Distribution
Found through central to southern Belize. Individuals sited in wet broadleaf forests of the Maya Mountains. Known only 100 - 1000m on the windward slopes - found in Stan Creek, Toledo and probably Cayo districts.
3) Natural History
Moderately common on the forest floor and both nocturnally and diurnally active. Inhabits the leaf litter, often seen hopping in a zig-zag course across the forest floor. Males are not known to vocalise. Can be found in surprisingly high numbers in optimal conditions, otherwise rarely encountered. Does not tolerate drying conditions, restricted to undisturbed forests. Breeding - eggs deposited in moist ground and hatch directly into small frogs, no definite breeding season (known). Chac is the Maya rain god. Vocalisation is a series of 4 - 9 soft, short, 'ducklike' quacks.