Frog of the Week

Granular Glass Frog (Cochranella granulosa)

Granular Glass Frog
photo by Shawn Mallan

Common Name: Granular Glass Frog
Scientific Name: Cochranella granulosa
Family: Centrolenidae – Glass Frog family
Locations: Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama
Male Size: 0.8 – 1.1 inches (22 – 29 mm)
Female Size: 1.1 – 1.25 inches (29 – 32 mm)

The Granular Glass Frog lives in the trees and bushes of montane and humid lowland forests. They are a nocturnal species of frog, spending most of their day hiding on leaves. During the breeding season, the males of the species call from vegetation overhanging streams. Once the female arrive, the male grabs them from behind in amplexus. Then, the female lays her eggs and the male fertilizes them. The female lays between 49 – 60 eggs in a clutch on the vegetation above the stream. Neither parent provides any care for their offspring. Once the eggs hatch, the tadpoles fall into the stream below where they will complete their metamorphosis.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assesses the Granular Glass Frog as Least Concern for Extinction. They have a large range and presumed large population. While the frog is in good standing currently, deforestation in its region could be a threat in the future.

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