Common Coqui
Eleutherodactylus coqui

Appearance: The Common Coqui is rather large compared to the other Eleutherodactylus.  Females can reach a maximum SVL of 52mm.  The dorsum is generally gray or gray-brown.  There are a few possible variations of dorsal patterning that coquis can display. The most common patterns are the following: 1.)  a suprascapular, dark W, 2.)  a dorsal chevron, usually connected to the scapular W along a middorsal zone, 3.) a pair of light dorsolateral parentheses, 4.)  a pair of wide, cream to yellow, usually dark-edged, postocular dorsolateral stripes, 5.)  a light middorsal stripe that extends from snout to vent, 6.) irregular scattering of light spots and flecks.  Some of these patterns can appear in combination, also. The coloration of the venter is variable—from light gray/whitish to yellow/orange to brown.  Toe pads are large.

Habitat: Coquis occur in mesic broadleaf forests, bromeliads, under trunks, rocks, or trash, in palm axils, curled leaves, and tree holes.

Vocalization: The call is a 2-note call, the second note is higher than the first, "co-qui". The call is repeated.  Males call from bushes and branches as high as 45 ft. in mesic forests and from 20-30 ft. in xeric forests.  Coquis call from dusk to dawn.  Maximum calling occurs from dusk to midnight and around dawn.

Status/Range: Introduced on St. John, St. Thomas and its adjacent islands, St. Croix and its adjacent islands, southern Florida (perhaps not established), and Lousiana. Nesting/breeding on Puerto Rico and all Puerto Rican islands, except Mona and Monito.

SE ARMI Index Sites: Virgin Islands National Park.