Belize’s Amphibians: An Essential Guide

Belize is a tropical paradise, renowned 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 Belize’s lush rainforests, wetlands, and rivers. From the vibrant Red-eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas) to the iconic Marine Toad (Rhinella marina), these Belize amphibians play a vital role in the country’s ecosystems.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, wildlife photographer, or simply curious about Belize’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 explores Belize’s nine most commonly encountered amphibian species, as well as:

• Physiological color change in Belize frogs
• Belize amphibian habitats
• Ecological importance of amphibians
• Handling amphibians and amphibian toxins
• Poison Dart frogs of Belize
• Amphibians in Mayan mythology
• Plus a complete Belize amphibian checklist

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

Key Takeaways: Belize’s Amphibians

• Belize is home to a wide range of frogs, toads, and tree frogs, many of which thrive around homes, farms, ponds, and jungle properties.

• Amphibians play essential ecological roles, including pest control, nutrient cycling, and serving as bioindicators of environmental health.

• Belize’s two seasons—wet and dry—strongly influence amphibian activity, especially breeding behaviour and visibility.

• Some species, such as the Cane Toad and Pepper (Veined) Tree Frog, produce skin toxins, making proper handling and pet precaution important.

• The nine most commonly encountered species vary widely in appearance, behaviour, and abundance, from the iconic Red-eyed Tree Frog to the widespread Masked Tree Frog.

• Protecting amphibian habitats helps maintain Belize’s biodiversity and supports healthier ecosystems for both wildlife and people.

 The Nine Most Commonly Encountered Amphibians in Belize

• 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 diving into specific frog species, it’s important to understand “physiological color change”, a phenomenon that allows frogs and tree frogs to adjust their coloration depending on their environment. This is a key factor in identifying Belize amphibians, especially for beginners.

This process occurs through specialized skin cells called chromatophores, which contain different types of pigments:

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

By adjusting the distribution or density of these pigments, Belize frogs can change their skin colour to:

1. Camouflage – Avoid predators in the wild.
2. Thermoregulation – Darker colors absorb heat, while lighter colors reflect it.
3. Communication – Signal aggression, attract mates, or express stress.

Examples of Physiological Color Change:

• 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.

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

• Yellow Tree Frogs can go from yellow to brown, once again showing more or less pattern depending on their shade of color.

For amateur or novice Belize amphibian enthusiasts, identifying frogs and toads can be challenging, even with photographs. Photos are one of the best methods for identification, but physiological color change can make it tricky.

This difficulty may explain why many Belize frogs (excluding tree frogs) are often overlooked by amateurs. Based on posts in the Facebook group – Creatures of Belize, some species remain largely undocumented by casual observers.

For example, one of the most common frogs on my farm may be the White-Lipped Frog (Leptodactylus fragilis). However, due to physiological color change, I usually see only a small, dark-colored frog hopping around. Despite its abundance, I have yet to properly identify it—but I never tire of spotting tree frogs.

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

If you need help identifying amphibians in Belize, a valuable resource is the Facebook group – Creatures of Belize, where enthusiasts share sightings and identification tips.

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 wide range of environments, 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 Belize amphibians depend on moist environments to survive, making Belize’s tropical climate an ideal habitat.

While many articles and field guides repeat habitat descriptions for each species, this guide highlights habitat details only when relevant to the nine most commonly encountered amphibians in Belize, keeping the information concise and practical.

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 influence Belize amphibians.

• During the wet season, heavy rains create temporary pools, ponds, and flooded areas, providing 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 can be scarce. However, once the first heavy rains arrive at the start of the wet season, the calls of frogs, toads, and tree frogs can be so loud that it’s difficult for two people to converse. At times, 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 in Belize are a vital part of the food web, serving as a food source for birds, snakes, and mammals. Additionally, their permeable skin makes them highly sensitive to environmental changes, allowing them to act as bioindicators of ecosystem health.

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

Threats or Conservation Status of Amphibians

Despite their ecological importance, Belizean amphibians, to my knowledge, have not been studied extensively enough to accurately determine their conservation status. The elusive nature of many species, dense jungle habitats, and the limited distribution of certain amphibians make population assessments challenging.

To date, to my knowledge, no species is officially listed as endangered. However, all are at risk due to habitat destruction, and their role as bioindicators underscores the importance of protecting their environments.

Mexican burrowing toads in Amplexus

Handling Amphibians and Amphibian Toxins

Sometimes, toads and tree frogs may find their way into homes (especially inside windows) or need to be relocated. Amphibians should always be handled with care due to their delicate skin, which absorbs substances from the environment. Their skin is essential for 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.

Best practices for handling Belize amphibians:

• Moisten your hands before touching an amphibian.
• Limit handling time to reduce stress.
• If transporting, use a container with no more than a quarter inch of water at the bottom and keep the amphibian moist.
• Wash your hands before and after handling to protect both yourself and the amphibian.

Some species produce skin toxins as a defense mechanism. Notably:

• Cane Toad (Rhinella marina) – Found throughout Belize, this toad produces potent bufotoxins in its parotoid glands located behind its eyes. These toxins can irritate skin and eyes and are dangerous if ingested by humans or pets, potentially causing vomiting, disorientation, seizures, or even death. Keep dogs and cats away from Cane Toads.
• Pepper Tree Frog (Phrynohyas venulosa) – Produces a mild to moderate toxin through its skin. While less potent than Cane Toad toxins, it can still irritate skin and eyes. This species is found throughout much of Belize, typically absent only in the south.

When handling these species, avoid touching your eyes or mouth, and always wash your hands thoroughly afterward. With these precautions, both humans and amphibians can remain safe.

Watch your pets around Cane Toads

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

In this section, we focus on the most frequently observed amphibians in Belize, keeping species information concise, specific, and enriched with first-hand observations.

Red-eyed Tree Frogs

Red-eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas)

One of Belize’s most iconic amphibians, the Red-eyed Tree Frog is instantly recognizable by its vivid green body, bright orange toes, and 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 females lay their eggs on leaves overhanging water, ensuring that when the tadpoles hatch, they fall into the water below.
• In the last four years, I have only found two of these beauties on my farm.
• I recently discovered that there are two species of Red-eyed tree frog in Belize. I wrote a complete post about that called –

  Agalychnis taylori vs Agalychnis callidryas: How to Tell Belize’s Two Red-Eyed Tree Frogs Apart

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

The Mexican Burrowing Toad is a fascinating amphibian with a unique, round body and a 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 mating 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 personal favorite Belizean amphibians.

The biggest Cane Toad I have found on my farm

Cane Toad (Rhinella marina)

Also known as the Marine Toad, this large amphibian has rough, brown or greyish skin and a pair of distinctive ridges across its eyes. While native to Central and South America, it is considered invasive species in many parts of the world.

Belize Range – Countrywide

Points of Interest:

• This 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 potent bufotoxins from parotoid glands behind their eyes, which can harm predators and pets.
• Breeding is explosive! A female lays 8,000–25,000 eggs, with strings stretching 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)

This tree frog’s distinctive, repetitive chirp makes it relatively easy to locate at night during the wet season.

Belize Range – Countrywide

Points of Interest:

• This tree frog is a classic example of physiological color change, changing from yellowish to tan with a bold dark X-shape on the back, depending on hiding spots.
• Sometimes confused with Stauffer’s tree frogs.
• A common tree frog around the house, and because of their small size, often makes their way into the house and gets 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 the stairs

Belize Range – Countrywide

Points of Interest:

• Their thick, bumpy skin helps protect them from dehydration and predators, allowing survival across a variety of habitats, from coastal areas to urban spaces.
• Like many toads, they possess parotoid glands behind their 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.
• They are nocturnal, with most activity occurring at night when they hunt 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)

Known for its distinctive, dark mask-like markings that stretch across its face, which can help with identification.

Belize Range – Countrywide

Points of Interest:

• Easily the most common tree frog in the country.
• Another 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 color variability and pattern in Belize.
• Can be mistaken for a Pepper Tree Frog.

Stauffer’s Tree Frogs

Stauffer’s Tree Frog (Scinax staufferi)

A small tree frog in Belize, like the Yellow tree frog, is frequently found around houses, and often, because of its small size, finds its way inside houses.

Belize Range – Countrywide

Points of Interest:

• Often confused with the Yellow Tree Frog because of physiological color change.
• Key difference: there is no X-pattern on the back, which helps with identification in the field.

Pepper Tree Frogs

Pepper or Veined Tree Frog (Phrynohyas venulose)

The Pepper Tree Frog is a beautifully patterned Belize tree frog, easily recognized by its mottled, textured skin.

Belize Range – Countrywide, except southern Belize

Points of Interest:

• Gold-flecked irises make this species particularly striking.
• Largest of the Belizean tree frogs, reaching a snout-vent length of up to four inches.
• Common around homes and farms, often preyed upon by frog-eating snakes like Cat-eyed and Green-headed Tree Snakes.
• Can release a white sticky skin toxin when harassed. Interestingly, it appears to have little effect on snakes that attempt to eat it.
• Due to physiological color change, it may sometimes be mistaken for the Mexican Masked Tree Frog.

Rio Grande Leopard Frogs

Rio Grande Leopard Frog (Lithobates berlandieri)

Known locally as Spring Chicken, the Rio Grande Leopard Frog is an acrobatic amphibian capable of long, powerful jumps, which it uses to escape predators and catch prey. I assume it gets its name, Spring Chicken, 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 visually striking amphibians in Belize, the Fleischmann’s Glass Frog is famous for its translucent belly, through which internal organs are visible. 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 clear, glass-like skin allows you to see the frog’s internal organs, including the heart and digestive system, giving it a truly unique appearance.
• 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)

A highly distinctive Belizean tree frog, the Casque-headed Tree Frog is named for the 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 head, helping prevent desiccation.
• More commonly found in seasonally dry forests, savannas, and other open habitats.
• When threatened, it inflates its body, puffing up to appear larger and more intimidating to predators.
• Their call has been described as ducklike “quack.” After mating, females lay their 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 of seeing 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.

For a quick reference, here’s a complete comparison of Belize’s most common amphibians, including their range, habitat, size, and unique features.

For detailed information on amphibian species worldwide, including range, behavior, and conservation, visit AmphibiaWeb

Poison Dart Frogs

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

• 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.

Mexican Burrowing Toad showing a very small mouth

• 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 a bridge 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Belize’s Amphibians

Q1: How many species of frogs, toads, and tree frogs are found in Belize?
A: Belize is home to 38 unique amphibian species, including frogs, toads, tree frogs, salamanders, and Caecilians. This diversity thrives in Belize’s rainforests, wetlands, rivers, and savannas.

Q2: What is the most iconic frog in Belize?
A: The Red-eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas) is Belize’s most recognizable amphibian, famous for its bright red eyes, green body, and orange toes.

Q3: Are there any Poison Dart Frogs in Belize?
A: No. Poison Dart Frogs (family Dendrobatidae) are not found in Belize. Their range begins in southern Nicaragua and extends south through Costa Rica, Panama, and South America.

Q4: What habitats do Belize’s amphibians prefer?
A: Amphibians in Belize inhabit tropical rainforests, wetlands, rivers, ponds, and even dry savannas. Tree frogs usually cling to leaves in the forest canopy, while frogs and toads are more common on the forest floor or near water.

Q5: When are Belize’s frogs and toads most active?
A: Most amphibians are active during the wet season (June–December). Heavy rains create breeding pools, and mating calls fill the air. During the dry season, many species burrow or hide to conserve moisture.

Q6: Are any Belizean amphibians dangerous to humans or pets?
A: While most frogs are harmless, some species like the Cane Toad (Rhinella marina) and Pepper Tree Frog (Phrynohyas venulose) secrete toxins. Avoid touching your eyes or mouth after handling, and keep pets away from Cane Toads.

Q7: What is physiological color change in amphibians?
A: Physiological color change is when frogs or tree frogs adjust their skin color to blend with their surroundings, regulate temperature, or communicate. For example, Mexican Masked Tree Frogs can shift from tan to green depending on where they are resting.

Q8: How do amphibians impact Belize’s ecosystems?
A: Frogs and toads are vital for pest control, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem health. Their permeable skin makes them excellent bioindicators, signaling environmental changes and habitat health.

Q9: What role did amphibians play in Mayan mythology?
A: Amphibians symbolized rain, water, transformation, and the underworld. Their life cycle represented rebirth, and their calls were linked to rain and fertility in Mayan agricultural rituals.

Q10: Where can I learn more about Belize’s amphibians?
A: Trusted resources include AmphibiaWeb

 Conclusion: Protecting Belize’s Amphibians

Belize’s amphibians, from the vibrant Red-eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas) to the common Masked Tree Frog (Smilisca baudinii), 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, and climate change threaten their survival.

Protecting these species ensures Belize’s biodiversity thrives for future generations. By learning about and celebrating these extraordinary frogs and toads, we can contribute to preserving their habitats and maintaining the natural beauty and ecological balance of Belize.

The Belize Audubon Society provides valuable information on Belize’s wildlife, conservation efforts, and native amphibian species.

The Association of Zoos & Aquariums offers resources on global amphibian conservation and ways to protect these vital species.

A Red-eyed Tree Frog

Check out more of my Belize creature posts:

• The Fer-de-Lance Snake of Belize: A Complete Guide 

• Exploring Belize’s Black Howler Monkeys

• Discover Boa Constrictor Snakes in Belize: A Complete Guide

• Agalychnis taylori vs Agalychnis callidryas: How to Tell Belize’s Two Red-Eyed Tree Frogs Apart

• The Most Dangerous Animals in the Belize Jungle: Fact or Fiction

 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
• Taylor’s Red-eyed Tree Frog – Agalychnis taylori
• 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.

Arie Hoogerbrugge is an adventure seeker who spent 2 years biking 26,000 km across Canada to his home in Belize from 2019 to 2021. Since 2021, he has been living at his home in the jungles of Belize, working hard and writing blogs.