The Leptodactylidae has undergone substantial taxonomic revision in recent years. Presently, it encompasses 3 subfamiles (Leptodactylinae, Leiuperinae, and Paratelmatobiinae) with 14 genera, and ca. 215 species (AMNH). Formerly it also included Cycloramphidae, Eleutherodactylidae, Hylodidae, etc. Leptodactylids are widely distributed in the Neotropics from southern Texas to Patagonia, and in the West Indies. They are found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate forests, wetlands, savannas, shrublands, and grasslands; sea level to 5,000 m. Small to large (12-200 mm SVL) terrestrial, fossorial, arboreal and aquatic frogs; brown, brownish-green, or gray dorsally, with or without longitudinal ridges; smooth, tubercular, or pustular skin; dull white or cream ventrally. The limbs are often robust; lack webbing. Many species lay their eggs in foam-nests made from the mucus secreted from the skin and reproductive tracts, and then beaten into foam. Such nests are placed on the surface of water, in crevices, burrows, or on the forest floor, and protect the eggs and tadpoles from desiccation and exposure. A parent often guards the nest and later the tadpoles. In some species the tadpoles are free-swimming and herbivorous, but in others they remain in the nest and do not feed until they complete metamorphosis. The majority of whistling frogs feed on arthropods and other invertebrates, although larger species also prey on small vertebrates, including other frogs.

Leptodactylinae
Leiuperinae
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