About Eleutherodactylus antillensis (Reinhardt & Lütken, 1863)
The red-eyed coqui, with the scientific name Eleutherodactylus antillensis (Reinhardt & Lütken, 1863), can be identified by its distinct cinnamon red eyes and black-spotted thighs. It has an angular, broad, flat head, a short body, a black streak on each side of its snout, a short black line above the tympanum (the external auditory membrane), and a light-colored line running along the center of its back. The upper body of this frog ranges from pale gray to dull brown. It has individual non-webbed toes and long digits. People often mix this species up with the common coqui, because their calls are very similar. Red-eyed coquis live in lowland or intermediate elevation forests, including dry forest, and they are abundant in open, disturbed habitats. Unlike common coquis, red-eyed coquis are typically found in dry habitats. They can survive for long periods without rain, as long as they stay hydrated while in their hidden locations. In Panama, this species is found in urban areas, residential gardens, and unoccupied land. Although the red-eyed coqui is widely dispersed, it is not as abundant as other species in the Eleutherodactylus genus. During the day, red-eyed coquis hide under grass roots, loose tree bark, rocks, logs, and trash. At night, they shelter in low bushes and on tree branches, which helps support their predation tactics.
