Histiophrynids

Histiophrynids are a family of frogs belonging to the order Anura. They are native to South America and are characterized by their distinctive appearance, with a large, flat head and a short, stubby body. The family includes two genera, Histiophryne and Pseudhystrix, with a total of 11 species. Histiophrynids are known for their unique reproductive behavior, with males carrying the eggs on their backs in a pouch-like structure called a brood pouch. This behavior is believed to have evolved as a means of protecting the eggs from predators and maintaining a suitable environment for development. The family is further distinguished by their unique vocalizations, which are produced by a specialized vocal sac located in the throat. Histiophrynids are currently considered to be a monophyletic group, with all species sharing a common ancestor. However, their exact evolutionary relationships with other frog families remain a topic of ongoing research.