Researchers report the discovery of a tiny, nocturnal frog in Costa Rica’s central Pacific coffee-growing area. Multiple outlets describe the animal as under 4 centimeters long, greenish with dark green spots, and commonly referred to as the “coffee frog” or “spring frog.” AFP reporting cited observers finding the frogs on or near coffee shrubs in San Lorenzo de Tarrazu.
The species is presented as a new tree-frog species for science and is said to be endemic to Costa Rica. Outlets also describe a distinctive male trait: a translucent throat that inflates as males make short, high-pitched calls during nighttime activity. Several reports add that the frog feeds on small insects found in the plantation habitat rather than on coffee berries, relying on shade and moisture.
While outlets broadly agree on the discovery details, the emphasis differs slightly. Some focus on the frog’s ecology within agricultural landscapes and its reliance on local streams. Others highlight conservation and exposure concerns, noting that pesticide or agrochemical use in coffee farms could pose risks by traveling through air and soil and reaching aquatic systems where tadpoles develop.
