One of the most unusual and visually striking frogs in the world. What immediately sets the horned marsupial frog apart is its dramatic appearance—especially the small, horn-like projections above its eyes that give it a somewhat dragon-like or prehistoric look. These “horns” are actually bony structures covered in skin, and while they may look fierce, this frog is gentle and shy by nature. It has a large, robust body, a broad head, and strong limbs with adhesive toe pads that help it climb through the wet, mossy branches of its mountain home. Its coloration—usually shades of brown, green, or gray—helps it blend seamlessly with tree bark, moss, and leaf litter, making it incredibly hard to spot in the wild.
One of the most fascinating features of this frog is, of course, its marsupial-style reproduction. Like other members of the Gastrotheca genus, the female horned marsupial frog has a specialized pouch on her back where she carries fertilized eggs. After mating, the male carefully places the eggs into this pouch using his hind legs, and the female then seals the pouch shut. Inside this moist, protected chamber, the eggs develop safely, shielded from predators, drying out, and temperature swings.
Despite its tough look, the horned marsupial frog is a sensitive species that depends heavily on its environment. It is nocturnal, coming out at night to hunt insects and other small invertebrates. During the day, it hides among the trees, blending into the shadows and moss. Its call is soft and infrequent, which makes it difficult to detect in the wild.
Distribution
Colombia
Costa Rica
Ecuador
PanamaAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
