Maui Coqui Frog
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The Obnoxious Frog
On Kauai, you're likely to be kept up at night by a rooster with bad timing. On Maui, you may find yourself scrambling through the bushes looking for the elusive coqui frog.
Coqui Frog – Eleutherodactylus Coqui
It’s a small light brown to dark colored frog measuring up to 2 inches with variable patterns including a light stripe down the middle of its back. Native to Puerto Rico, the coqui remain hidden during the day in leaf litter. Male coqui emerge into the trees at night calling “ko-kee” to attract females. Females lay their eggs in cup-like vegetation. Juvenile frogs hatch in 2-3 weeks. There is no tadpole stage.
The mating call of the male coqui is similar to a two-note bird-like chirp or whistle, which starts at dusk and may continue throughout the night.
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture needs your cooperation in reporting coqui in your neighborhood. If you hear a bird-like call or whistle during evening hours, find the coqui by using a flashlight to locate the frog, capture by hand (the coqui is non-toxic) or use a jar with lid to contain the animal. Do not transport the coqui from the area. Call the Department’s immediately at: 274-3141 Ext: 6737
Learn about these other Maui Invasive Species.
The above information is accurate as of September of 2010.