copei

Copei is a genus of South American amphibians belonging to the family Craugastoridae. These frogs are commonly known as saddleback frogs or copei frogs. The genus currently encompasses over 200 species, making it one of the most diverse amphibian genera in the world. Copei frogs are characterized by their terrestrial lifestyle, often found in leaf litter, under logs, and in humid forest environments. They are distributed across a wide range of habitats in Central and South America, from tropical rainforests to cloud forests.

A distinctive feature of many copei species is direct development, meaning they bypass the free-swimming tadpole stage and hatch as miniature versions of the adult frog. This adaptation is advantageous in environments where aquatic habitats may be scarce or ephemeral. Their diet typically consists of small invertebrates such as insects, spiders, and worms. Many species exhibit cryptic coloration, providing camouflage against their forest floor surroundings.

The genus Copei was established by Edward Drinker Cope in 1867. Phylogenetic studies have revealed a complex evolutionary history within the genus, and ongoing research continues to refine species classifications and understand their ecological roles. Conservation concerns exist for some copei species due to habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as the potential impacts of climate change and diseases like chytridiomycosis.