Hemiphractidae

Family Hemiphractidae (Triangular-headed frogs) Genera: 6 (Cryptobatrachus, Flectonotus, Fritziana, Gastrotheca, Hemiphractus, Stefania); Species: 100. Distribution: South and Central America (Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama). Gastrotheca bufona, Gastrotheca excubitor, Hemiphractus bubalus, Hemiphractus fasciatus. Hemiphractus fasciatus Hemiphractus helioi Previously, this group was described as a subfamily (Hemiphractinae) of the family Hylidae. Later studies led to the description of a separate family, Hemiphractidae. They inhabit the ground, among fallen leaves. At night, they are found on small shrubs—1 m above the ground. They undergo direct development. After fertilization, males use their legs to press the eggs into the female’s back, so the eggs and brood are carried on the female’s back. The eggs are in contact with blood vessels that supply oxygen. The developing embryos are housed in a pouch or capsule. They lack vocal openings. They are ambush predators that inhabit areas with large populations of other tailless amphibians, which constitute their primary food source. Gastrotheca excubitor possesses true teeth on the lower jaw. Hemiphractus fasciatus is listed in the Red List. Sources: 1. Vitt L.J., Caldwell J.P. Herpetology. An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles. 2. Amphibian Species of the World. 3. https://amphibianrescue.org 4. https://www.arkive.org 5. https://www.gbif.org/species/2430015#images