A tiny tree frog whose loud male "ko-KEE" call is the iconic sound of Puerto Rican evenings. Listed in Puerto Rico's cultural heritage. Devastating invasive in Hawaii, where introduced populations roar through nights.

Also called: Coqui Frog, Puerto Rican Coqui

Native status: Native to Puerto Rico; invasive in Hawaii

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 2.5–5 cm
Weight2–8 g
LifespanWild 4–6 years
OrderAnura
FamilyEleutherodactylidae

§ Encyclopedia

The common coquí, widely known as the coquí, is a species of frog native to Puerto Rico belonging to the family Eleutherodactylidae. The species is named for the loud call the males make at night, which serves two purposes; the "co" serves to repel other males and establish territory while the "quí" serves to attract females. The auditory systems of males and females respond preferentially to different notes of the male call, displaying 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.

Source: Wikipedia — Common coquí Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Small brown to gray frog with smooth skin; large adhesive toe pads; distinct dark mask through eye.

Similar species. Other Eleutherodactylus species (many in Caribbean; subtle differences).

Voice. Loud two-note "co-quí" call by males; chorus deafening from large populations.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Small insects, spiders.

Behavior. National symbol of Puerto Rico. Famous "co-quí" call (males) is one of the loudest sounds produced by any small frog. Eggs deposited on land; develop directly into froglets without aquatic tadpole stage. Invasive in Hawaii, where it has caused severe ecological impacts on native species.

§ Range

Native to Puerto Rico; invasive in Hawaii

§ Habitat

Forests, gardens, urban areas

§ Threats

In native range: habitat loss, chytrid fungus. In Hawaii: they're the threat.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the coquí (puerto rican) is currently classified as Near Threatened.

§ What helps

In Puerto Rico: support forest protection. In Hawaii: report coquí calls, support eradication.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • AmphibiaWeb
  • Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources
  • Hawaii Department of Agriculture
  • IUCN Red List 2014