Belize’s Amphibians: an Essential Guide

Belize is a tropical paradise, not only for its stunning landscapes but also for its incredible biodiversity. Among its many natural treasures are 33 unique species of frogs, tree frogs, and toads that thrive in its lush rainforests, wetlands, and rivers. From the vibrant Red-eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas) to the iconic Marine Toad (Rhinella marina), these amphibians play a vital role in Belize’s ecosystems. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a wildlife photographer, or simply curious about the region’s fauna, Belize’s Amphibians: An Essential Guide offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of these vocal, colorful, and ecologically important creatures.

This guide dives into Belize’s nine most common amphibian species, plus

• physiological color change
• amphibian habitats
• ecological importance of amphibians,
• handling amphibians and amphibian toxin
• Poison Dart frogs
• amphibians in Mayan mythology
• plus a complete Belize amphibian checklist

Let’s uncover the remarkable frogs and toads that call Belize home!

The nine most commonly encountered frogs, toads, and tree frogs found in Belize include the following:

• Cane Toad
• Gulf Coast Toad
• Red-eyed Tree Frog
• Yellow Tree Frog
• Pepper Tree Frog
• Stuffer’s Tree Frog
• Mexican Masked Tree Frog
• Rio Grande Leopard Frog
• Mexican Burrowing Toad

With honorable mentions going out to:

• Mexican Glass Frog
• Casquehead Tree Frog

Pepper Tree Frog – notice the gold flecks in the eyes

Physiological Color Change

Before we get specific about frog species, let’s talk about the term used to describe how frogs and tree frogs can change their coloration and shade depending on their background — “physiological color change”. Once we understand this, then we can understand some of the challenges to identifying certain amphibians for a layperson when unfamiliar with Belize’s amphibians.

This phenomenon occurs through specialized cells in their skin called chromatophores, which contain different types of pigments. Chromatophores are organized in layers and include:

• Melanophores (black or brown pigments)
• Iridophores (reflective or iridescent pigments)
• Xanthophores (yellow, orange, or red pigments)

By altering the distribution or density of these pigments, frogs can adjust their skin color to blend in with their surroundings, regulate body temperature, or communicate with other frogs.

Adaptive Purposes:

1. Camouflage – Helps them avoid predators.
2. Thermoregulation – Darker colors absorb heat, while lighter colors reflect it.
3. Communication – Some species change color to signal aggression, attract mates, or express stress.

Examples:

• Mexican Masked Tree Frogs can change from light shades of tan to dark shades of brown to green. All at the same time showing more or less pattern depending on their shade of color.
• Yellow Tree Frogs can go from yellow to brown, once again showing more or less pattern depending on their shade of color.

An excellent example of physiological color change in these two Mexican Masked tree frogs

Another example of physiological color change is found in Yellow Tree Frogs

For the amateur or novice amphibian enthusiast, identifying some species can be challenging, even with photo comparison. While photos are one of the best methods for identifying frogs, toads, or tree frogs, it can still be difficult. I mention all this as an encouragement that sometimes it takes a few guesses to get the identification right.

This difficulty may expalain why most of the frogs (excluding tree frogs) are often overlooked or not identified in Belize by amateurs. I base this observation on the lack of frog posts in the Facebook Group – Creatures of Belize.

For example, I suspect one of the most common frogs on my farm is the White-Lipped frog (Leptodactylus fragilis). Due to physiological color change, all I see is a small, dark-colored, non-descriptive frog hopping around. After all these years, despite its abundance, I have yet to take the time to properly identify it. However, I never tire of finding tree frogs.

I’m pretty sure this is a White-lipped frog

If you need help identifying amphibians or any creatures found in Belize, a great resource is the Facebook group Creatures of Belize.

Frog, Toad, and Tree Frog Habitat

Belize is home to a rich variety of habitats, ranging from dense tropical rainforests and mountain pine ridges to coastal mangroves and expansive wetlands. Its rivers, lagoons, and offshore coral reefs further contribute to the country’s ecological diversity, creating a haven for countless species of plants and animals.

Frogs, toads, and tree frogs in Belize thrive in a variety of habitats, including lush rainforests, wetlands ponds, rivers, and even dry savannas. Tree frogs are typically found in the forest canopy, clinging to leaves and branches, while frogs and toads often inhabit the forest floor, wetlands, and bodies of water where they breed and hunt for insects. These amphibians depend on moist environments to survive, making Belize’s tropical climate an ideal home.

That being said, many articles and books tend to describe the same five habitats in 15 different ways, repeating the same information under the Habitat section of a specific species. While specific habitat information is important in some cases. I will mention them only if they are relevant when discussing the nine most common amphibian species found in Belize.

 

Two Seasons – Wet and Dry

Belize’s tropical climate features distinct wet (June to December) and dry (January to May) seasons, both of which significantly impact amphibians. During the wet season, heavy rains create temporary pools, ponds, and flooded areas that provide essential breeding sites for frogs, toads, and tree frogs. Amphibians become especially active during this time, with their mating calls filling the air. In contrast, the dry season brings reduced water availability, forcing many species to burrow into moist soil or hide in leaf litter to conserve water and avoid desiccation. This seasonal cycle is critical for the survival and reproduction of Belize’s amphibian populations.

During the dry season frogs and tree frogs are scarce. However, when the first heavy rains arrive at the start of the wet season, the calls of frogs, toads, and tree frogs can be so deafening that it’s difficult for two people to hear each other during a conversation.  There can be so many amphibians hopping around that it’s impossible not to trip on them.

Mexican Masked Tree Frogs end up in the strangest places

Ecological Importance of Amphibians

Amphibians also serve as a vital food source for many predators, including birds, snakes, and mammals, making them an integral part of the food web. Additionally, their permeable skin makes them highly sensitive to environmental changes, allowing them to act as important bioindicators of an ecosystem’s health.

A Pepper Tree Frog being eaten by a Cat-eyed Snake

Threats or Conservation Status of Amphibians

In the grand scheme of things, Belize’s amphibians have not been studied extensively enough to accurately determine their conservation status. The elusive nature of many species, combined with the dense jungle habitat and potentially limited distribution of certain amphibians, presents significant challenges to understanding their overall status.

To my knowledge, no species is currently known to be endangered, but all are at risk due to habitat destruction. The importance of amphibians as bioindicators of a healthy ecosystem cannot be overstated.

Mexican burrowing toads in Amplexus

Handling Amphibians and Amphibian Toxin

Sometimes, toads and tree frogs make their way into our homes (especially inside windows) or need to be relocated for other reasons. Amphibians should always be handled with care due to their delicate skin, which is highly sensitive and can absorb harmful substances from the environment. Their skin serves as a primary means of respiration and moisture regulation, making them vulnerable to oils, dirt, and chemicals from human hands. Handling amphibians without proper precautions can cause them stress, harm, or even death.

Whenever possible, moisten your hands with water and handle an amphibian for the shortest time possible. If transportation is necessary, use a container with no more than a quarter inch of water at the bottom. Be sure to keep frogs, and tree frogs moist at all times.

Additionally, many amphibians secrete toxins through their skin as a defense mechanism, which can irritate the skin or eyes of both humans and animals. It’s important to wash your hands before and after handling amphibians to protect both them and yourself.

In regards to toxins, probably the two species of note are the Cane (or Marine) toad and the Pepper (or Veined) tree frog. The Cane Toad (Rhinella marina) is known for producing potent toxins, which serve as a defense mechanism against predators. These toxins are produced in specialized glands located behind the toad’s eyes, called parotoid glands. Toxins produced by the Cane Toad are primarily bufotoxins, which can have severe effects on animals that attempt to eat them, and even on humans if ingested or absorbed through mucous membranes. Do your very best to keep your dogs or cats away from them.

Bufotoxin can cause immediate symptoms such as vomiting, excessive salivation, and disorientation. In severe reactions, a pet or predator that consumes too much of the toad’s toxin can lead to cardiac arrest, seizures, or even death.

Watch your pets around Cane Toads

The Pepper Tree Frog (Phrynohyas venulose) is another amphibian species known to produce skin toxins. While not as widely studied or as well-known as the toxins of the Cane toad, the Pepper tree frog produces a mild to moderate toxin as a defense mechanism.

Cane toads are found throughout the country, while Pepper tree frogs appear to be absent only in the south. However, both species are commonly seen around homes and farms. If you handle them, don’t touch your eyes or mouth, and be sure to wash your hands afterward and you’ll be just fine.

The Nine Most Commonly Encountered Frog, Toad, and Tree Frog Species Found in Belize

I will focus on keeping the species information concise and specific, avoiding unnecessary generic details. Wherever possible, I will prioritize first-hand accounts to provide accurate and meaningful insights.

Red-eyed Tree Frogs

Red-eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas)

Easily one of Belize’s most iconic amphibians, the red-eyed tree frog is instantly recognizable by its vivid green body, bright orange toes, and, of course, its striking red eyes. These frogs are masters of camouflage—during the day, they tuck their legs close to their bodies and close their eyes to blend seamlessly into leaves.

Belize Range: countrywide

Points of Interest

• Those bright red eyes? They serve as a defense mechanism! If threatened, the frog flashes its eyes to startle predators, giving it a chance to escape. Despite their flashy appearance, they’re not poisonous.
• They are most active during the rainy season when breeding takes place. Females lay their eggs on leaves overhanging water, ensuring that when the tadpoles hatch, they fall into the water below.
• In the last three years, I have only found two of these beauties on my farm.

Mexican Burrowing Toads

Mexican Burrowing Toad (Rhinophrynus dorsalis)

The Mexican burrowing toad is a fascinating amphibian with a unique, round body and small, cone-shaped head. Unlike most toads, it spends the majority of its life underground, emerging only during heavy rains to breed.

Belize Range – countrywide

Points of Interest

• This toad is the only living species in its family (Rhinophrynidae), making it a true evolutionary oddity!
• Most of the year they live underground. They have uniquely adapted limbs for digging, with spade-like projections on their hind feet that allow them to burrow backward into the soil.
• From my personal experience, these toads emerge all at once during the first heavy rain of the wet season. I often find them everywhere in my front yard ponds, mating and filling the air with their very distinctive and loud calls. Their numbers can be overwhelming, with thousands calling at once. However, by the next day, they mostly vanish and remain unseen for the rest of the year.
• Sometimes during the dry season, I accidentally dig them out of the ground.
• One of my favorite Belizean amphibians.

The biggest Cane Toad I have found on my farm

Cane Toad (Rhinella marina)

Sometimes referred to as the Marine Toad, this is a large, robust amphibian with rough, brown, or greyish skin and a distinctive pair of ridges running across its eyes. Native to Central and South America it is considered an invasive species in many parts of the world.

Belize Range – countrywide

Points of Interest

• In Belize, the Marine Toad is commonly found in both rural and urban environments, especially near human settlements, agricultural areas, and wetlands.
• This toad can grow quite large, with some individuals reaching up to 25 cm (10 inches) in length.
• They are notorious for their toxic secretions. When threatened, they release a potent toxin from glands behind their eyes, which can be harmful to predators (and sometimes pets).
• Breeding is explosive! When the rains come, hundreds or even thousands of toads gather to breed in ponds, swamps, or other temporary water sources. A female lays 8,000–25,000 eggs at once and the strings can stretch up to 20 m (66 ft) in length. Eggs hatch in an average of 48 hours.
• These toads are very common around and under my house.

Yellow Tree Frogs

Yellow Tree Frog (Tlalocohyla microcephala)

The Yellow Tree Frog’s call, a distinctive, repetitive chirp, often fills the air during the wet season, making them relatively easy to locate at night.

Belize Range – countrywide

Points of Interest

• This tree frog is a classic example of physiological color change, changing from yellowish to tan with markings depending on where it’s hiding during the day. When their pattern is visible they have a bold dark X-shape on the back.
• Sometimes confused with Stauffer’s tree frogs.
• A common tree frog around the house, and because of their small size, often make their way into the house and get trapped inside the windows.

Gulf Coast Toads on my stairs

Gulf Coast Toad (Incilius valliceps)

The only toad that I know that actively climbs stairs. Most evenings I find a couple of these guys on my deck. The unbelievable part is that they have to climb ten steps to get on my deck.

Gulf Coast Toads visit me every night on my deck, but not before they climb stairs

Belize Range – countrywide

Points of Interest

• Bumpy and hardy: The Gulf Coast Toad’s thick, bumpy skin helps protect it from dehydration and predators, and it can survive in a variety of habitats, from coastal areas to urban spaces.
• Like many toads, it has parotoid glands behind its eyes, which secrete a mild toxin to deter predators. Though the toxin isn’t deadly, it can cause irritation if ingested.
• This species is one of the widest-ranging amphibians in Belize.
• It is nocturnal, with most activity occurring at night when it hunts for insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. In the evenings I find these toads everywhere when I close up my chicken coops after dark.

Mexican Masked Tree Frogs – looking very different

Mexican Masked Tree Frog (Smilisca baudinii)

The Mexican Masked Tree Frog is a striking amphibian known for its distinctive, dark mask-like markings that stretch across its face and can help with identification.

Belize Range – countrywide

Points of Interest

• Easily the most common tree frog in the country
• Another tree frog that’s a classic example of physiological color change, changing from light tan to brown, to green with markings depending on where it’s hiding during the day. Probably the tree frog with the most extreme variability in color and pattern in Belize.
• Can be mistaken for a Pepper tree frog.

Stauffer’s Tree Frogs

Stauffer’s Tree Frog (Scinax staufferi)

The Stauffer’s Tree Frog is a small tree frog like the Yellow tree frog and is very common around houses, and often because of its small size, often finds its way inside houses.

Belize Range – countrywide

Points of Interest

• Because of physiological color change, it can easily be confused for a Yellow tree frog. Notice there is no X pattern on the back of the frogs in photos.

 

Pepper Tree Frogs

Pepper or Veined Tree Frog (Phrynohyas venulose)

The Pepper Tree Frog is a beautifully patterned amphibian known for its unique, mottled appearance with textured skin.

Belize Range – countrywide, except southern Belize

Points of Interest

• Their irises are beautifully gold-flecked.
• The largest of the Belizean tree frogs, reaching a snout-vent length of four inches.
• A fairly common tree frog around the house. Probably the most common tree frog I come across being eaten by frog-eating snakes such as Cat-eyed and Green-headed Tree snakes.
• When harassed can release a white sticky toxin. Interestingly, I have never noticed it having any effect on any snakes that are in the process of swallowing one.
• Because of physiological color change, it can sometimes be confused for a Mexican Masked tree frog.

Rio Grande Leopard Frogs

Rio Grande Leopard Frog (Lithobates berlandieri)

An acrobatic jumper, known for its powerful, long jumps, this frog is capable of leaping great distances to escape predators or to hunt prey. Locally known as Spring Chicken, I assume as a result of its springy jump. It has the longest jumping ability of any frog I have encountered in Belize.

Belize Range – countrywide

Points of Interest

• A nocturnal hunter, if you see one jump past during the day it often means it’s being chased by a snake.
• I commonly find these frogs around my ponds. At night when I have attempted to photograph them their eyes are often reddish which could be due to the reflection of light off the tapetum lucidum, a structure in their eyes that enhances night vision, similar to what happens with many nocturnal animals.

Bonus Frogs

Fleischmann’s Glass Frogs

Fleischmann’s Glass Frog (Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni)

One of the most intriguing and visually stunning amphibians in Belize is Fleischmann’s Glass Frog. Its name comes from its almost translucent belly, through which you can see its internal organs, giving it a “glass-like” appearance. These small, vibrant green frogs are famous for their unique look.

Belize Range – limited distribution in Cayo, Stann Creek, and Toledo Districts

Points of Interest

• The most striking feature of Fleischmann’s Glass Frog is its translucent belly. The clear skin allows you to see the frog’s internal organs, including the heart and digestive system, which makes it look almost “glass-like.”
• Unlike many frogs, the female Fleischmann’s Glass Frog lays her eggs on the underside of leaves above water. The male guards the eggs until they hatch into tadpoles, which fall into the water below, where they continue their life cycle.
• I have never had the pleasure of seeing one of these beauties.

Casque-headed Tree Frogs

Casque-headed Tree Frog (Triprion petasatus)

The Casque-headed Tree Frog is one of Belize’s more unusual and distinctive amphibians, known for its striking, helmet-like structure on its head.

Belize Range – nearly restricted to the Yucatan Peninsula, where it occurs from central Petén northward. Found in Corozal, Orange Walk, Belize, and Cayo Districts.

Points of Interest

• The most notable feature is the casque (helmet-like structure) on its head. This bony protrusion is thought to help the frog blend into its environment, acting as a form of camouflage when it rests in the trees. The casque also likely serves as protection from predators, making it harder for them to grab the frog by its head.
• Frogs sometimes plug the openings to their daytime retreats with their heads, which would help prevent desiccation.
• More commonly found in seasonally dry forests, savannas, and other open habitats.
• When threatened, the Casque-headed Tree Frog can inflate its body, puffing up to appear larger and more intimidating to predators.
• Their call has been described as ducklike “quack.” After mating, the female lays her eggs in tree hollows or on leaves overhanging water, where the tadpoles will fall into the water below to complete their development.
• I have never had the pleasure to see one of these in the wild yet. My only personal contribution is that while staying at a campground in Sarteneja the people told me how they hadn’t seen any in years and then one year during the rainy season there were thousands of them everywhere.

Poison Dart Frogs

Poison Dart Frogs are not found in Belize. Unfortunately, a few high-ranking SEO blog posts on popular websites mistakenly claim otherwise. To clarify: there are no Poison Dart Frogs in Belize.

Poison dart frogs (family Dendrobatidae) are primarily found in Central and South America. Their northern range includes parts of southern Nicaragua, with their distribution extending southward through Costa Rica, Panama, and into much of the tropical rainforests of South America, such as Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil.

Amphibians in Mayan Mythology: Symbols of Transformation, Rain, and the Underworld

Amphibians held symbolic and cultural significance in ancient Mayan mythology, folklore, and religious practices. Frogs and toads, in particular, were often associated with water, fertility, transformation, and the underworld. Their life cycle—from eggs to tadpoles to adults—likely inspired connections to themes of rebirth and renewal.

Central Themes of Amphibians in Mayan Culture:

• Water and Rain:
  Frogs and toads were strongly linked to rain and water, essential for sustaining life in Mayan agricultural societies. Their vocalizations, often heard before or during rains, were interpreted as a call for rain or as harbingers of its arrival. In this sense, amphibians were seen as intermediaries between humans and the life-giving forces of nature.
• Transformation and Rebirth:
  The metamorphosis of amphibians from water-bound tadpoles to land-dwelling adults symbolized transformation and the cycles of life. This connection to duality and change resonated with Mayan cosmology, which often emphasized balance and transition between realms.
• The Underworld (Xibalba):
  Frogs and toads were associated with Xibalba, the Mayan underworld. Their nocturnal nature and their tendency to burrow into the ground connected them to death, darkness, and the earth. Some Mayan depictions of underworld scenes include amphibians as symbolic inhabitants of this realm.

 

 

• Art and Symbolism:
  Amphibians frequently appear in Mayan art, pottery, and carvings. Toads, in particular, were sometimes depicted with prominent features, such as open mouths, possibly symbolizing the connection between the earthly and spiritual realms.
• Mayan Deities and Rituals:
  While there are no specific Mayan gods exclusively dedicated to amphibians, amphibians were likely involved in water and fertility rituals. Some Mayan spiritual practices may have included frog and toad motifs or the use of these animals as offerings to deities associated with rain and agriculture, such as Chaac, the rain god.
• Folklore and Beliefs:
  In Mayan folklore, amphibians sometimes represented fertility and abundance but could also symbolize omens, depending on the context. For example, the sudden appearance of frogs might indicate rain, while certain toads could symbolize death or transition due to their underworld associations.

For the Maya, amphibians were more than just animals; they were symbols of life, water, transformation, and connection between realms. Their importance reflects the Mayan people’s deep understanding of nature and its spiritual significance.

Modern Perspective:

Even today, in areas influenced by Mayan culture, frogs and toads may carry symbolic significance. Their ties to rain and agriculture persist, especially in rural communities, as a reminder of the interconnectedness of humans, nature, and the cycles of life.

Conclusion: Protecting Belize’s Amphibians

Belize’s amphibians, from the vibrant Red-eyed Tree Frog to the common Masked Tree Frog, are vital to the health of its ecosystems. These creatures control pests, support nutrient cycles, and act as indicators of environmental health.

However, habitat loss and pollution threaten their survival. Protecting these species ensures Belize’s biodiversity thrives for future generations. By learning about and celebrating these unique animals, we can all contribute to preserving their habitats and the natural beauty they represent.

A Red-eyed Tree Frog

Checklist of All Known Species of Amphibians Found in Belize

Belize is home to a diverse range of at least 37 different known amphibian species, including frogs, toads, and salamanders. Here is a list of the known amphibian species found in Belize, along with their scientific (Latin) names:

Frogs and Toads (Order: Anura)

Family: Bufonidae (True Toads)

• Cane Toad – Rhinella marinus
• Campbell’s Forest or Rainforest Toad – Incilius campbelli
• Gulf Coast Toad – Incilius valliceps

Family: Centrolenidae (Glass Frogs)

• Fleischmann’s Glass Frog – Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni

Family: Family: Eleutherodactylidae (Rain Frogs)

• Broad-headed Rain Frog — Eleutherodactylus laticeps
• Maya or Chac’s Rain Frog – Eleutherodactylus chac
• Limestone Rain Frog – Eleutherodactylus psephosypharus
• Lowland Rain Frog – Eleutherodactylus rhodopis
• Central American Rain Frog – Eleutherodactylus rugulosus
• Sanderson’s Rain Frog – Eleutherodactylus sandersoni

Broad-headed Rain Frog

Family: Hylidae (Tree Frogs)

• Red-Eyed Tree Frog – Agalychnis callidryas
• Morelet’s Leaf Frog – Agalychnis moreletti
• Hourglass or Variegated Tree Frog – Dendropsophus ebraccatus
• Mexican Masked Tree Frog – Smilisca baudinii
• Blue-Spotted Tree Frog — Smilisca cyanosticta
• Yellow Tree Frog – Tlalocohyla microcephala
• Pepper or Veined Tree Frog – Phrynohyas venulose
• Bromeliad Tree Frog – Eupemphix bromeliacia
• Red-footed or Mahogany Tree Frog – Tlalocohyla loquax
• Cricket or Painted Tree Frog – Dryophytes pictus
• Stauffer’s Tree Frog – Scinax staufferi
• Casque-headed Tree Frog – Triprion petasatus
• Leprous Tree Frog – Syrrhophus leprus
• Valancifer or Mountain Fringe-limbed Frog – Tlalocohyla valancifera

Cricket Tree Frog

Family: Leptodactylidae (Foam Nest Frogs)

• White-Lipped Frog — Leptodactylus fragilis
• Sabinal Frog or Black-backed Frog — Leptodactylus melanonotus
• Tungara Frog – Physalaemus pustulosus

Family: Microhylidae (Narrow-Mouthed Frogs)

• Elegant Narrow-Mouthed Frog — Gastrophryne elegans
• Sheep Frog – Hypopachus variolosus
• Mexican Burrowing Frog – Rhinophrynus dorsalis

Family: Ranidae (True Frogs)

• Rio Grande Leopard Frog — Lithobates berlandieri
• Vaillant’s Frog — Lithobates vaillanti
• Julian’s Frog – Lithobates juliani

Morelet’s Leaf Frog

Other Amphibians

Salamanders (Order: Caudata)

Family: Plethodontidae (Lungless Salamanders)

• Doflein’s Mushroomtongue Salamander — Bolitoglossa dofleini
• Mexican Mushroomtongue Salamander — Bolitoglossa mexicana
• Rufescent or Northern Banana Salamander – Boloitoglossa rufescens

Caecilians (Order: Gymnophiona)

Family: Dermophiidae (Caecilians)

• Mexican Caecilian – Dermophis mexicanus

Reference Guides that I relied on for further information and great sources of information on Belize’s amphibians.

• Travellers Wildlife Guide: Belize & Northern Guatemala by Les Beletsky
• A Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of the Mayan World by Julian C. Lee
• A Guide to the Frogs and Toads of Belize by John R. Meyer & Carol Farneti Foster

Photo Credits

Credit to Joshua Seguro for photos of Morelet’s Leaf Frogs, Cricket Tree Frog, Broad-headed Rain Frog, and Fleischmann’s Glass Frogs.

Credit to Upe Nai for photos of Casque-headed Tree Frogs.

 

Be sure to check out my blog post on Boa Constrictors of Belize

Discover Boa Constrictor Snakes in Belize: A Complete Guide