Coquí
Encyclopedia
The Common Coquí or Coquí (Eleutherodactylus coqui) is a frog
native to Puerto Rico
belonging to the Eleutherodactylus
genus of the Leptodactylidae
family. The species is named for the loud sound (sometimes reaching as high as 100 dB
at a distance of 0.5 m) the males make at night. This sound serves two purposes. 'CO' serves to repel males and establish territory while the 'QUI' serves to attract females. Since the auditory systems of males and females respond preferentially to different notes of the male call, this is an example of a sex difference in a sensory system
. The Common Coquí is a very important aspect of Puerto Rican culture
and it has become an unofficial territorial symbol of Puerto Rico.
, Central America
, South America
and the Caribbean
. There are 17 recognized species of coquí
s in Puerto Rico. The newest species discovered in 2005, and officially accepted in 2007, was named Coquí Llanero (Eleutherodactylus juanriveoi).
to vent, from 30 to 37 mm
with an average of 34 mm, while fully grown females measure from 36 to 52 mm with an average of 41 mm. The size differences between genders are a result of additional energy consumption related to breeding behavior by males.
Contrary to popular belief and artistic renditions, which depict the species as green, coquís commonly have a gray or gray-brown coloration. Unlike many frogs, coquís do not possess swimming membranes between their fingers and toes, and thus are not adapted to swim. However, like all tree frogs they possess small pads on the tips of their toes which help them adhere to moistened or slippery surfaces.
and Culebra
where they are widespread and abundant; the only notable exception occurring in Puerto Rican dry forests
where the species is rarer. The species has been introduced to the Virgin Islands
, the Dominican Republic
, Florida
, and Hawaii
, where it has become a densely populated invasive species
. It was accidentally introduced to the Hawaiian Islands in the late 1980s, and quickly established itself on all four major islands. It is now considered a pest species by the State of Hawaii, and is on the list of the world's 100 worst invasive alien species.
The Common Coquí is the most abundant frog in Puerto Rico with densities estimated at 20,000 individuals/ha, and as an invasive species can reach up to 91,000 individuals/ha in Hawaii.
Higher densities in its invaded range are likely bolstered by a release from native predators, lack of interspecific competitors, and abundant food availability. Densities fluctuate depending on the season and habitat. Generally, densities are higher during the latter half of the wet season and decrease during the dry season.
The species is considered a habitat generalist, occurring in a wide range of habitats including mesic
broadleaf forests, mountains, urban areas, bromeliads, tree holes, and under trunks, rocks or trash. Since the species does not require bodies of water to reproduce, they can be found on most altitudes provided there is sufficient moisture. In Puerto Rico they are found from sea level to a maximum of 1200 metres (3,937 ft) while in Hawaii they have been found at a maximum of 1170 metres (3,838.6 ft). Adults generally tend to be found at higher altitudes than juveniles.
s. Juveniles consume smaller prey such as ants while adults consume a more varied diet that includes spiders, moths, crickets, snails, and small frogs. The frogs are opportunistic sit-and-wait predators and will forage on abundant prey items. Males will occasionally consume eggs from their own clutch, likely to provide supplemental nourishment while guarding their nest.
Calling males eat less prey than non-calling males. A study found that non-calling males consume most of their food by 2400 h while calling males had eaten only 18% of their food by the same hour.
. Females usually lay between 16 and 40 eggs from 4-6 times each year at approximately 8-week intervals. Eggs are guarded from predators—other common coquís, Subulina snails—by males. The gestation period
of coquís is from 17–26 days. The maturation period, the time from egg to reproductive coquí, is around eight months.
Contrary to many frogs, which lay their eggs in water, coquís lay their eggs on palm tree leaves or other terrestrial plants. Abandoned bird nests are also used as nests by E. coqui. The Bananaquit
, Puerto Rican Bullfinch
and Puerto Rican Tody
share nests with the coquí. This method of reproduction allows the coquí to live in forests, mountains and other habitat
s without direct dependency on water. Since eggs are laid on land, coquís bypass the tadpole
stage, proceeding to develop limbs within their eggs, rather than going through a metamorphosis as a larva in water. Thus, a fully independent froglet emerges from the egg, with a small tail that is lost shortly after. This stage of direct development has allowed the coqui to become a successful terrestrial colonizer in tropical areas.
Males begin their mating call by perching above ground level.
The coqui's call (or canto in Spanish) is used both as a way of attracting a mate and to establish a territorial boundary. A coqui may enter another's territory and challenge the incumbent by starting his call at which point they may engage in a sort of singing duel (which can last for several minutes). The first to falter in keeping up with the cadence is considered the loser and leaves the area without resorting to physical violence. This behavior is consistent across different species (which have distinctive calls); so it is possible to hear a duel where one coqui sings "COQUI" and another "COQUIRIQUI".
Frog
Frogs are amphibians in the order Anura , formerly referred to as Salientia . Most frogs are characterized by a short body, webbed digits , protruding eyes and the absence of a tail...
native to Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
belonging to the Eleutherodactylus
Eleutherodactylus
Eleutherodactylus is a genus of frogs in the Leptodactylidae family. It is typically described as the largest vertebrate genus on Earth, with over 700 species...
genus of the Leptodactylidae
Leptodactylidae
Leptodactylidae is a diverse family of frogs that probably diverged from other hyloids during the Cenozoic era, or possibly at the end of the Mesozoic. There are roughly 50 genera, one of which is Eleutherodactylus, the largest vertebrate genus, with over 700 species...
family. The species is named for the loud sound (sometimes reaching as high as 100 dB
Decibel
The decibel is a logarithmic unit that indicates the ratio of a physical quantity relative to a specified or implied reference level. A ratio in decibels is ten times the logarithm to base 10 of the ratio of two power quantities...
at a distance of 0.5 m) the males make at night. This sound serves two purposes. 'CO' serves to repel males and establish territory while the 'QUI' serves to attract females. Since the auditory systems of males and females respond preferentially to different notes of the male call, this is an example of a sex difference in a sensory system
Sex differences in sensory systems
An organism is said to be sexually dimorphic when male and female conspecifics have anatomical differences in features such as body size, coloration, or ornamentation, but disregarding differences of reproductive organs. Sexual dimorphism is usually a product of sexual selection, with female choice...
. The Common Coquí is a very important aspect of Puerto Rican culture
Culture of Puerto Rico
The culture of Puerto Rico is the result of a number of international and indigenous influences, both past and present. Modern cultural manifestations showcase the island's rich history and help to create an identity which is a melting pot of cultures - Taíno , Spanish, African, Other Europeans,...
and it has become an unofficial territorial symbol of Puerto Rico.
Taxonomy
The Common Coquí was described by R. Thomas in 1966. It belongs to the Eleutherodactylus genus which in Greek means free toes. The Eleutherodactylus genus contains over 700 different frog species which are found in the south of the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, Central America
Central America
Central America is the central geographic region of the Americas. It is the southernmost, isthmian portion of the North American continent, which connects with South America on the southeast. When considered part of the unified continental model, it is considered a subcontinent...
, South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
and the Caribbean
Caribbean
The Caribbean is a crescent-shaped group of islands more than 2,000 miles long separating the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, to the west and south, from the Atlantic Ocean, to the east and north...
. There are 17 recognized species of coquí
Coquí
The Common Coquí or Coquí is a frog native to Puerto Rico belonging to the Eleutherodactylus genus of the Leptodactylidae family. The species is named for the loud sound the males make at night. This sound serves two purposes...
s in Puerto Rico. The newest species discovered in 2005, and officially accepted in 2007, was named Coquí Llanero (Eleutherodactylus juanriveoi).
General description
Fully grown male coquís measure, from snoutSnout
The snout, or muzzle, is the protruding portion of an animal's face, consisting of its nose, mouth, and jaw.-Terminology:The term "muzzle", used as a noun, can be ambiguous...
to vent, from 30 to 37 mm
1 E-3 m
To help compare different orders of magnitude this page lists lengths between 10−3 m and 10−2 m .Distances shorter than 1 mm* 1.0 mm — 1/1000 of a metre* 1.0 mm — 0.03937 inches or 5/127...
with an average of 34 mm, while fully grown females measure from 36 to 52 mm with an average of 41 mm. The size differences between genders are a result of additional energy consumption related to breeding behavior by males.
Contrary to popular belief and artistic renditions, which depict the species as green, coquís commonly have a gray or gray-brown coloration. Unlike many frogs, coquís do not possess swimming membranes between their fingers and toes, and thus are not adapted to swim. However, like all tree frogs they possess small pads on the tips of their toes which help them adhere to moistened or slippery surfaces.
Habitat and distribution
Common Coquís are native to the islands of Puerto Rico, ViequesVieques, Puerto Rico
Vieques , in full Isla de Vieques, is an island–municipality of Puerto Rico in the northeastern Caribbean, part of an island grouping sometimes known as the Spanish Virgin Islands...
and Culebra
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Isla Culebra is an island-municipality of Puerto Rico originally called Isla Pasaje and Isla de San Ildefonso. It is located approximately east of the Puerto Rican mainland, west of St. Thomas and north of Vieques. Culebra is spread over 5 wards and Culebra Pueblo...
where they are widespread and abundant; the only notable exception occurring in Puerto Rican dry forests
Puerto Rican dry forests
The Puerto Rican dry forests are a subtropical dry forest ecoregion located in southwestern and eastern Puerto Rico and on the offshore islands. They cover an area of . These forests grow in areas receiving less than of rain annually...
where the species is rarer. The species has been introduced to the Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands
The Virgin Islands are the western island group of the Leeward Islands, which are the northern part of the Lesser Antilles, which form the border between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean...
, the Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of La Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands that are shared by two countries...
, Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
, and Hawaii
Hawaii
Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
, where it has become a densely populated invasive species
Invasive species
"Invasive species", or invasive exotics, is a nomenclature term and categorization phrase used for flora and fauna, and for specific restoration-preservation processes in native habitats, with several definitions....
. It was accidentally introduced to the Hawaiian Islands in the late 1980s, and quickly established itself on all four major islands. It is now considered a pest species by the State of Hawaii, and is on the list of the world's 100 worst invasive alien species.
The Common Coquí is the most abundant frog in Puerto Rico with densities estimated at 20,000 individuals/ha, and as an invasive species can reach up to 91,000 individuals/ha in Hawaii.
Higher densities in its invaded range are likely bolstered by a release from native predators, lack of interspecific competitors, and abundant food availability. Densities fluctuate depending on the season and habitat. Generally, densities are higher during the latter half of the wet season and decrease during the dry season.
The species is considered a habitat generalist, occurring in a wide range of habitats including mesic
Mesic habitat
In ecology, a mesic habitat is a type of habitat with a moderate or well-balanced supply of moisture, e.g., a mesic forest, a temperate hardwood forest, or dry-mesic prairie. Compared to a dry habitat, a mesic habitat is moister....
broadleaf forests, mountains, urban areas, bromeliads, tree holes, and under trunks, rocks or trash. Since the species does not require bodies of water to reproduce, they can be found on most altitudes provided there is sufficient moisture. In Puerto Rico they are found from sea level to a maximum of 1200 metres (3,937 ft) while in Hawaii they have been found at a maximum of 1170 metres (3,838.6 ft). Adults generally tend to be found at higher altitudes than juveniles.
Diet
The Common Coquí is a general nocturnal predator which can consume, as a population, 114,000 invertebrates each night per hectare. Diet varies depend on age and size but is primarily composed of arthropodArthropod
An arthropod is an invertebrate animal having an exoskeleton , a segmented body, and jointed appendages. Arthropods are members of the phylum Arthropoda , and include the insects, arachnids, crustaceans, and others...
s. Juveniles consume smaller prey such as ants while adults consume a more varied diet that includes spiders, moths, crickets, snails, and small frogs. The frogs are opportunistic sit-and-wait predators and will forage on abundant prey items. Males will occasionally consume eggs from their own clutch, likely to provide supplemental nourishment while guarding their nest.
Calling males eat less prey than non-calling males. A study found that non-calling males consume most of their food by 2400 h while calling males had eaten only 18% of their food by the same hour.
Reproduction
Common Coquís reproduce over the entire year but breeding activity peaks around the wet seasonWet season
The the wet season, or rainy season, is the time of year, covering one or more months, when most of the average annual rainfall in a region occurs. The term green season is also sometimes used as a euphemism by tourist authorities. Areas with wet seasons are dispersed across portions of the...
. Females usually lay between 16 and 40 eggs from 4-6 times each year at approximately 8-week intervals. Eggs are guarded from predators—other common coquís, Subulina snails—by males. The gestation period
Gestation period
For mammals the gestation period is the time in which a fetus develops, beginning with fertilization and ending at birth. The duration of this period varies between species.-Duration:...
of coquís is from 17–26 days. The maturation period, the time from egg to reproductive coquí, is around eight months.
Contrary to many frogs, which lay their eggs in water, coquís lay their eggs on palm tree leaves or other terrestrial plants. Abandoned bird nests are also used as nests by E. coqui. The Bananaquit
Bananaquit
The Bananaquit is a species of passerine bird of uncertain relation. It is tentatively placed in the tanager family, but classified as incertae sedis by other authorities such as the American Ornithologists' Union. Its classification is debated, and it is often placed in its own family: Coerebidae...
, Puerto Rican Bullfinch
Puerto Rican Bullfinch
The Puerto Rican Bullfinch or Comeñame in Spanish, is a small Bullfinch tanager endemic to the archipelago of Puerto Rico and one of 3 species belonging to the genus Loxigilla. These were formerly considered Emberizidae....
and Puerto Rican Tody
Puerto Rican Tody
The Puerto Rican Tody is a tody endemic to the archipelago of Puerto Rico. Despite is scientific name, Todus mexicanus, it is endemic to Puerto Rico...
share nests with the coquí. This method of reproduction allows the coquí to live in forests, mountains and other habitat
Habitat (ecology)
A habitat is an ecological or environmental area that is inhabited by a particular species of animal, plant or other type of organism...
s without direct dependency on water. Since eggs are laid on land, coquís bypass the tadpole
Tadpole
A tadpole or polliwog is the wholly aquatic larval stage in the life cycle of an amphibian, particularly that of a frog or toad.- Appellation :...
stage, proceeding to develop limbs within their eggs, rather than going through a metamorphosis as a larva in water. Thus, a fully independent froglet emerges from the egg, with a small tail that is lost shortly after. This stage of direct development has allowed the coqui to become a successful terrestrial colonizer in tropical areas.
Males begin their mating call by perching above ground level.
The coqui's call (or canto in Spanish) is used both as a way of attracting a mate and to establish a territorial boundary. A coqui may enter another's territory and challenge the incumbent by starting his call at which point they may engage in a sort of singing duel (which can last for several minutes). The first to falter in keeping up with the cadence is considered the loser and leaves the area without resorting to physical violence. This behavior is consistent across different species (which have distinctive calls); so it is possible to hear a duel where one coqui sings "COQUI" and another "COQUIRIQUI".
See also
- Fauna of Puerto RicoFauna of Puerto RicoThe fauna of Puerto Rico is similar to other island archipelago faunas, with high endemism, and low, skewed taxonomic diversity. Bats are the only extant native terrestrial mammals in Puerto Rico. All other terrestrial mammals in the area were introduced by humans, and include species such as cats,...
- List of amphibians and reptiles of Puerto Rico
- List of endemic fauna of Puerto Rico
- Puerto Rican SpindalisPuerto Rican SpindalisThe Puerto Rican Spindalis, Spindalis portoricensis, is a tanager endemic to the island of Puerto Rico, where it is commonly known as Reina Mora. The species is widely distributed throughout the island and is an important part of the Puerto Rican ecosystem because of its help in seed dispersal and...
- Flor de magaFlor de magaSwamp Rosemallow is a species of flowering plant in the okra family, Malvaceae, that is endemic to the Southeastern United States....