Eleutherodactylus

/ˌɛljuːðəroʊˈdæktɪləs/ noun

Definition

A genus of small frogs with unwebbed toes that are native to tropical regions and known for their direct development rather than tadpoles.

Etymology

From Greek eleutheros 'free' and daktylos 'finger,' combined with the Latin scientific genus ending -us. These frogs have anatomically free digits.

Kelly Says

Eleutherodactylus frogs skip the tadpole stage entirely—they hatch as tiny froglets, a strategy that freed them from needing water, letting them colonize rainforest canopies.

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