The Túngara frog (Engystomops pustulosus) is a species of frog in the family Leptodactylidae. It is a small nocturnal terrestrial frog found in Mexico, Central America, and the northeastern regions of South America. The tungara frog exhibits interesting behavior between the sexes, in both male/male and male/female interactions. Male vocalizations are critical in female mate choice, and females often prefer males who give complex mating calls at a lower frequency rather than simple calls at a higher frequency. This long distance vocalization is the primary mating behavior of tungara frogs, and it is produced by a fibrous mass in the frog’s larynx. The tungara frog may also have a mutualistic relationship with tarantulas, where tarantulas participate in predator defense while frogs protect tarantula eggs. Tungara frogs have distinct coloration which helps defend them from predators Description Engystomops pustulosus is a small species of terrestrial frog growing to a length of between . The tympanum is not visible and the dorsum is covered in small warts. These warts resulted in other early descriptions falsely identifying túngara frogs as a species of toad in the Bufo genus. The eyes are relatively large and protruding. Males have large, dark vocal sacs that expand when calling for females. Both males and females typically have a conspicuous white stripe that extends from the lower lip to down the throat. Habitat and distribution It is found from Mexico and throughout Central America and into northern South America as far east as Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, and possibly Guyana. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest, dry savanna, moist savanna, subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland, subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland, freshwater marshes, intermittent freshwater marshes, pastureland, heavily degraded former forest, ponds, and canals and ditches. Ecology and diet Engystomops pustulosus is nocturnal, emerging at night to feed on ants and termites and other small invertebrates (such as snails, beetles, flies and isopods) among the plant litter on the ground. During the breeding season, the males group together at night in temporary pools and call to attract mates. When a female chooses one of the males, amplexus occurs at the edge of the water and the male creates a foam nest in which the eggs are laid; the tadpoles develop in the water and undergo metamorphosis into juvenile frogs in about four weeks. Mating and breeding Mating call The primary mating