White-lipped Frog
Leptodactylus albilabris
(click image to enlarge)

Appearance: Small in size, female White-lipped Frogs can reach a maximum SVL of 49 mm. The most distinguishing feature of Leptodactylus albilabris is the white line that outlines the upper lip.  The coloration of the dorsum can be any combination of greenish-yellow, olive, greenish-brown, brownish-yellow, to almost black.  The dorsum can have dark longitudinal lines or spots or, more commonly, 2 large chevrons.  This frog also has 2 dorsolateral folds.  Sometimes White-lipped Frogs will have a yellowish-orange median dorsal stripe. A dark bar is present between the eyes.  The snout is angular and there is a black streak that goes between the tip of the snout and the eye. The venter is white to creamy yellow (some populations have pigmentation on the venter).  White-lipped Frogs do not have toe pads.

Habitat: Leptodactylus albilabris are semi-aquatic.  These frogs can be found near streams, marshes, ditches, muddy drains and gutters in towns, under rocks, logs, etc.

Vocalization: Male White-lipped Frogs repeat a loud "pink…pink…pink" call. Males call nocturnally and diurnally.  They generally call from the ground—from a muddy surface or atop a mass of aquatic vegetation. 

Status/Range: Nesting/breeding on St. John, Puerto Rico and all Puerto Rican islands, except Mona and Monito, St. Thomas and its adjacent islands, all British Virgin Islands, Anegada, and on St. Croix and its adjacent islands.

SE ARMI Index Sites: Virgin Islands National Park.