Pristimantis caeruleonotus
Local name: Cutín de manchas celestes
Cutín de manchas celestes (Pristimantis caeruleonotus) is a small terrestrial frog endemic to cloud forests of the northern Andes, distinguished by its striking blue-spotted dorsal pattern against a brown or olive base coloration. This direct-developing species plays a crucial role in montane ecosystems as both predator of small invertebrates and prey for larger forest fauna, with no aquatic larval stage required for reproduction.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Amphibia
Order
Anura
Family
Craugastoridae
Genus
Pristimantis
Pristimantis caeruleonotus belongs to the family Craugastoridae, order Anura, within the Amphibia class.
Species Profile
Cutín de manchas celestes (Pristimantis caeruleonotus) is a small terrestrial frog endemic to cloud forests of the northern Andes, distinguished by its striking blue-spotted dorsal pattern against a brown or olive base coloration. This direct-developing species plays a crucial role in montane ecosystems as both predator of small invertebrates and prey for larger forest fauna, with no aquatic larval stage required for reproduction.
Cutín de manchas celestes faces significant threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion in its limited montane forest range. The species' restricted distribution and specialized habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and human encroachment.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species inhabits cloud forests and montane humid forests in the Andes, typically found in leaf litter and low vegetation at elevations between 1,500-2,500 meters. It occurs in primary and secondary forest habitats with high humidity and dense canopy cover.
Threats
Agricultural expansion
Deforestation and habitat fragmentation
Climate change affecting montane ecosystems
Human settlement expansion
Limited geographic range
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Pristimantis caeruleonotus (Pristimantis caeruleonotus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/cutin-de-manchas-celestes