About Leptodactylus petersii (Steindachner, 1864)
In terms of snout–vent length, male Leptodactylus petersii measure 27–41 mm (1.1–1.6 in), while females measure 31–51 mm (1.2–2.0 in). The dorsum ranges in color from greenish or greyish brown to reddish brown, and has irregular dark brown to black markings. There is also a dark, triangular mark between the eyes (inter-orbital mark). The dorsum has many spicules and short, laterally oriented glandular ridges. The ventrum is smooth, with a variable pattern that has a white background and extensive anastomotic grey to black mottling. The throat is dark grey with white spots. The tympanum is relatively large, and the supratympanic fold is distinct, reaching the arm insertion. The iris is bronze to reddish brown. Fingers have no lateral fringes, or only weak lateral fringes, while toes have extensive lateral fringes and also have basal webbing. Males have two large spines on their thumbs. Tadpoles grow to a maximum total length of 21 mm (0.83 in) at Gosner stage 36, with the tail making up 60% of this total length. Leptodactylus petersii is found in tropical rainforest, forest edges, open areas, savanna enclaves within tropical rainforest, and open cerrado formations, all below 600 m (2,000 ft) elevation. This nocturnal frog is usually found on the ground near water. Eggs are laid in a foam nest near water, and tadpoles move to the water after hatching. This is a common species that occurs in many protected areas, and the IUCN does not consider it threatened.
