Craugastoridae

Craugastoridae is a family of frogs commonly known as rain frogs. They are native to Central America and northern South America. This family is characterized by their direct development, meaning they skip the tadpole stage and hatch as miniature versions of adult frogs. This adaptation is particularly common in terrestrial species that live in moist leaf litter or humid forest environments.

The family Craugastoridae is quite diverse, containing over 350 species within numerous genera. Some well-known genera include Craugastor, Pristimantis, and Strabomantis. Species within this family exhibit a wide range of sizes, colors, and ecological roles. Many are small and cryptic, blending into their surroundings, while others can be larger and more conspicuous. Their diets typically consist of small invertebrates such as insects, spiders, and worms.

Reproduction in Craugastoridae involves the female laying fertilized eggs on land, often in moist soil, under logs, or within bromeliads. The eggs develop directly into froglets without an aquatic larval stage. This direct development allows them to colonize a variety of terrestrial habitats, including humid forests, cloud forests, and even drier woodlands where standing water for tadpole development might be scarce. The conservation status of many Craugastoridae species is a concern, with many facing threats from habitat loss, deforestation, and the chytrid fungus.