Common Coquí

Description:

While Common Coquí frogs can be up to 4cm in size, many are only a few millimetres long. This individual was smaller than my pinky fingernail!

Habitat:

These small frogs are native to Puerto Rico but have recently been introduced to the Hawai'ian Islands. Coquís are now considered a major pest species in Hawai'i, with the ability to reach densities of 91,000 individuals per hectare! In fact, the Common Coquí is now on the list of the world's 100 most invasive alien species.

Notes:

While these frogs look tiny and cute, they create a big racket. The loud "kokee" sound that they make sounds like it should be coming from a much larger frog because of its volume. Coquí frogs are nocturnal, and when in the right (or wrong) area of Hawai'i the sheer noise that fills the air because of their large abundance can be almost deafening.