Amphibian · GBIF taxon 2423479
Chilean Four-eyed Frog
Pleurodema thaulAlso known as Sapito Cuatro Ojos, Thaul Frog
Chilean four-eyed frogs feature prominent glands on their lower flanks that resemble a second pair of eyes, swelling and flashing toward predators to intimidate them. Active primarily after sunset near shallow ponds, ditches, and damp stream margins across Chile and western Argentina, they consume a wide array of small terrestrial invertebrates. During the spring breeding season, males assemble in dense aquatic choruses to attract mates with steady, rhythmic croaking.
AmphibianNocturnalEyespots
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Flies
- Beetles
- Spiders
Predators
- Herons
- Snakes
- Introduced trout
ThreatsHabitat destruction, water pollution, invasive trout, chytrid fungus
HabitatsPonds, stream margins, matorral scrub, wetlands
Life span4–8 years
Classification
- FamilyLeptodactylidae
- SpeciesPleurodema thaul
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Night Searches: Scan quiet pond margins with a soft light after dusk during spring.
- Vocal Cues: Listen for rhythmic calling choruses near shallow, still water.
- Skin Protection: Avoid touching amphibians with bare hands to prevent transmitting pathogens.
Frequent Companion (c) Asiel Olivares, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Habitat Neighbor (c) Sofía Rojas, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Ecological Neighbor (c) Constanza Vargas Villegas, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Nicolas Olejnik, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nicolas Olejnik · cc-by
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