Montegraphia « Herps

One of two snakes we saw, Coniophanes fissidens is a somewhat dull, rear-fanged, litter-dwelling snake. Another species in the same genus, Coniophanes piceivittis, is common in Palo Verde and packs a mean bite.

Unknown Huevos

Near the waterfall pictured yesterday, I discovered several eggs exposed in the stream bed. They are no doubt reptilian, but I’m not positive which type. Given the great abundance of Basilisca vittatum (Jesus Christ Lizard or basilisk) surrounding the stream, the size, and the general lack of turtles, I’d guess they are from a [...]

A Leptodactylidae

I didn’t have a chance to key this frog out using Savage, but my best guess is Pristimantis (formally Eleutherodactylus) caryophyllaceus. We encounter it at San Ramon.

We also encountered and keyed a tadpole from Duellmanohyla rufioculis, a beautiful red-eyed hylid.

Another Hog-nose Pit-viper

The third species of Porthidium I’ve encounter, P. porrasi is found on the Osa Peninsula. I discovered P. nasutum in La Selva a few years ago, and P. ophryomegas in Palo Verde last June. I’ve yet to see P. volcanicum though…

Finally

First time sighting one of the classic frogs of Costa Rica: the red-eyed leaf frog, Agalychnis callidryas. Absolutely beautiful.

Tropical Night Lizard

Xantusiidae – Lepidophyma flavimaculatum

Norops polylepis

This little anole seems to the the most common around the Proyecto Campanario, on the Osa Peninsula. Their patterning and colors vary on their body, but the dew-lap is mostly orange.

Scinax defends territory

My best guess for these dwellers is Diasporus diastema in the family Eleutherodactylidae. It was formally Eleutherodactylus diastema in Leptodactylidae… so maybe it’s a new family sighting for me!