Family: Ranidae
Common names: Valliant's Frog / Forest Frog / Rainforest Frog
1) Distinguishing features
Size (SVL) Adult males 67-94mm, adult females 76-125mm
This is the largest frog known to Belize and second only to Bufo marinus in size amongst the anuran order. The dorsum colour between the dorso-lateral ridges is brownish/bronze and the dorsal surface of the head and anterior portions of the body are often bright green, especially in males. The ear is tan and often with irregular black markings. The supralabial stripe is absent or only present posterior to the eye, and there is no black facemask - comp. To R.juliani. Below the dorso-lateral folds the sides of the body are brown with darker spots or blotches, and the limbs usually have indistinct dark bars. The venter is cream or yellow coloured. The skin of the dorsal surfaces is smooth to finely denticualte. The webbing between the toes is extensive and expansion of the digits is minimal. Vocal sacs and slits are present in the males.
2) Distribution
Mesoamerica wide distribution from sea level to about 2000ft.
3) Natural History
As the common name suggests this species is often associated with forested areas where it is never found far from streams or forest pools. It is a common species known from most vegetation formations in Belize where it usually inhabits sluggish lowland streams, lakes and temporary ponds. It is active all year around permanent bodies of water but reproductive activity is mainly during the wet season. Eggs are deposited in forest pools or in still sections of streams where tadpoles undergo development for several months. It is primarily nocturnal but has been observed resting near pools during the day. The call is a series of five or six grunts each lasting about 0.2s separated by an interval of 2-11s.