Cliff Chirping Frog
Eleutherodactylus marnockii
A small nocturnal frog that reaches no more than 1.5 inches in length. They are light olive with dark speckling on their back and banding on their legs. Often there is a…
How to identify
A small nocturnal frog that reaches no more than 1.5 inches in length. They are light olive with dark speckling on their back and banding on their legs. Often there is a line running from the snout through each eye. Ventrum is pale and unmarked. They have a somewhat flattened head and body.
Range
West central Texas and slightly across the border into north central Mexico.
Habitat
Almost always found on limestone rock faces, or hiding in crevices between the rocks.
Variations
Some are lighter and more yellow in color, while others are more vibrant green.
Similar species
Very similar to the Rio Grande chirping frog (*Eleutherodactylus cystignathoides*) and spotted chirping frog (*Eleutherodactylus guttilatus*).
Name and etymology
Genus
Eleutherodactylus
From the greek, free(eleutheros) finger(dactylos), referencing no webbing on the toes.
Origin
Sources
- Dumeril and Bibron, 1841. Erpet. Gen., Vol. 8, p. 620 ↗
Eleutherodactylus. Dumeril and Bibron, 1841 - Erpet. Gen., Vol. 8, p. 620
Species epithet
marnockii
Honoring Gabriel Wilson Marnoch
Origin
Honors
Sources
- Cope, 1878. Amer. Nat., Vol. 12, p. 253 ↗
Eleutherodactylus marnockii. Cope, 1878 - Amer. Nat., Vol. 12, p. 253
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Range
West central Texas and slightly across the border into north central Mexico.
Habitat
Almost always found on limestone rock faces, or hiding in crevices between the rocks.
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap