Reproduction and Development
All species of Eleutherodactylus are characterized by direct development, in which eggs hatch directly into small frogs, completely bypassing the tadpole stage. This adaptation may be largely responsible for their ecological and evolutionary success. Most species of Eleutherodactylus are characterized by parental behaviors, such as egg-guarding by either the male or female parent. In some cases, even young froglets are attended by parents. Another extinct Puerto Rican species, the Golden coquí (Eleutherodactylus jasperi), gave birth to live young. Many species (for example, Cook's Robber Frog, (E. cooki)), also of Puerto Rico, exhibit sexual dimorphism in size and color.
Read more about this topic: Eleutherodactylus
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