Eleutherodactylidae

Eleutherodactylidae is a family of frogs commonly known as rain frogs or chirping frogs. This family is found in the Neotropics, with a wide distribution across Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Unlike many other frog families, eleutherodactylids typically exhibit direct development, meaning they hatch from eggs as miniature frogs, bypassing the tadpole stage. This adaptation allows them to inhabit terrestrial environments, often in leaf litter, forests, and even urban areas, rather than being tied to permanent water bodies for reproduction. Their diet generally consists of small invertebrates. The family encompasses a large number of genera and species, making it one of the most diverse frog families in the Americas. Research on eleutherodactylids often focuses on their reproductive strategies, vocalizations, and evolutionary relationships within anurans. Some species are widespread and abundant, while others are rare and potentially threatened due to habitat loss and other environmental factors. Their common names, such as "rain frog" and "chirping frog," often refer to their terrestrial habits and the distinct, high-pitched calls many species produce.