Maisi Frog

Eleutherodactylus bresslerae is a small frog, with adult males measuring up to 30 mm and the larger females up to 46 mm. The dorsum is smooth to lightly shagreened, while the belly and the throat are smooth. The body disc is well developed. Vomerine teeth, behind the choanae, are present in a long series. Supraxillary and inguinal glandular areas are absent. The digital discs are large. There is no webbing between the toes (Schwartz 1960; Schwartz and Henderson 1985; Schwartz and Henderson 1991). The dorsum of this species is yellowish tan anteriorly, grading posteriorly to reddish brown on thigh and pes. The scapular region and the sides show dense brown spotting. Towards the posterior, the spots become relatively discrete and circular brown dots. There is a dark brown interocular bar and a pair of prominent dorsolateral lines. The concealed surfaces of the hind limbs are dark brown and the venter is creamy (Schwartz, 1960; Schwartz and Henderson, 1985; Schwartz and Henderson, 1991)[3471][3934][3935].Eleutherodactylus bresslerae is a member of the Eleutherodactylus ricordii group (subgenus Euhyas). Related species include Eleutherodactylus ricordii and E. acmonis (Heinicke et al. 2007). Etymology- Named for Miss Sandra L. Bressler, who drew Cuban frogs for the species author (Schwartz 1960).

This species is endemic to Cuba and is known only from the easternmost tip of the island. It is found between 30-221 m above sea level (Schwartz and Henderson 1991; Hedges and Diaz 2004).

Little is known about this frog. The specimens collected for the type-series were taken on rocks in a coastal broadleaf forest at night (Schwartz 1960).

Habitat modification is considered the principal threat to this species, particularly habitat degradation and deforestation due to agriculture and subsistence farming. Moderate impacts on habitat also occur from tourist activities (Vales et al. 1998; Hedges and Diaz 2004).

Eleutherodactylus bresslerae is a species of frog in the family Eleutherodactylidae endemic to Cuba. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and rocky areas. It is threatened by habitat loss.