Brevicipitidae – Rain frogs

Unlike the sleek, long-legged frogs many people imagine, rain frogs are squat, chubby, and almost ball-shaped, with short legs that make them look more like little rubber toys than graceful leapers. Their unusual shape comes from their lifestyle—they are primarily burrowers, spending much of their time underground and only coming up when the conditions are right, especially after heavy rains. That’s also how they earned their common name: people often hear or see them most during rainy weather, when the moist soil makes it easier for them to emerge.

What makes rain frogs distinct from other frog families is their unique body design and behavior. Their bodies are round and compact, perfectly built for squeezing into burrows, while their short legs make them poor jumpers compared to their relatives. Instead of hopping gracefully, they tend to shuffle or crawl along the ground. They also have tiny, almost comical heads compared to their large, rounded bodies.
Because of their underground lifestyle, their skin is tough and helps keep them from drying out. Many species also have muted colors—shades of brown, gray, or olive—that help them blend in with soil and leaf litter.

Unlike most frogs that lay eggs in water, many rain frogs practice direct development, laying their eggs in moist soil or burrows rather than in ponds or streams. The eggs then hatch into fully formed froglets, skipping the tadpole stage entirely. This adaptation means they aren’t tied to water sources for breeding, which allows them to live in drier places where other frogs might struggle. Their calls, often squeaky or grumbly, are usually heard after rainfall and serve both to attract mates and announce their presence.