Coqui

Coqui is a common name for certain species of frogs in the genus Eleutherodactylus. The term is most frequently used to refer to the invasive species Eleutherodactylus coqui, which is native to Puerto Rico. This frog is small, typically measuring about 2 to 2.5 centimeters (0.8 to 1 inch) in length. Its coloration is generally a mottled brown or green, providing camouflage.

The most distinctive characteristic of the male coqui is its call, which sounds like its name, "co-qui." This call is primarily used by males to attract females and defend their territory. Females lay small clutches of eggs, usually on leaves or in moist crevices, and unlike many amphibians, the coqui exhibits direct development, meaning the eggs hatch into miniature frogs, bypassing the tadpole stage.

While native to Puerto Rico, Eleutherodactylus coqui has been introduced to other locations, including Hawaii and parts of Florida. In these introduced habitats, the coqui is considered an invasive species due to its loud vocalizations, which can disrupt local ecosystems and human activities, and its potential to outcompete native frog species. Efforts are often undertaken in invaded areas to control or eradicate coqui populations. The genus Eleutherodactylus itself is one of the largest and most diverse genera of frogs in the world, found throughout the Caribbean and Central and South America.