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CYCLORAMPHIDAE - ESCUERZOS
Ceratophryids are stout, warty, toad-like frogs with a checkered taxonomic history and superficially quite different from each other (in external characters).
Four species recorded in Paraguay classified in three different genera.
Limnomedusa Rapids Frog - An aberrant aquatic Cycloramphid of fast-running humid forest streams.
Proceratophrys Horned Escuerzos - Rarely recorded frogs, with a big-headed aspect recalling certain Ceratophryidae, principally as a result of the "horned" eyes. A single distinctive species in Paraguay.
Odontophrynus Escuerzos - A pair of very similar, cryptically patterned toad-like frogs with robust bodies, huge protruding eyes and a very short snout. Irruptive in behaviour, these frogs become seasonally abundant around temporary pools following periods of heavy rain, spending the rest of the year underground. Escuerzos have short, powerful limbs and spade-like hindfeet adapted to digging.
REFERENCES
Cei JM 1980 - Amphibians of Argentina - Monitore Zoologico Italiano Monografia 2.
Fouquette MJ (undated) - Synopsis of Recent Amphibians to Genus - Arizona University.
Key to Adults of Paraguayan Cycloramphidae
1a Vertical pupil. Highly aquatic. Skin with discrete large dorsal warts. Snout "normal", not notably short. - Limnomedusa macroglossa
1b Horizontal pupil. Not notably aquatic. Dorsal extremely warty with numerous small granular warts. Snout short. - 2
2a Small (SVL <40mm). Eyes with "horns". Pair of parallel longitudinal lines of raised, small warts runs the length of the body either side of the vertebral line, broadening posteriorly. Ventral surface patterned in black and orange. Dorsal pattern not complex or boldly blotched. - Proceratophrys avelinoi
2b Large (SVL >50mm). Eyes without "horns". Longitudinal lines of warts present but not as above. Ventral surface blackish or greyish, finely speckled paler. Dorsal pattern complex, boldly blotched. - 3
3a Clear pale vertebral line continuing between the eyes to the mouth. Dorsal surface warty and granular, with lines of warts joining to form longitudinal glandular masses (especially in the scapular region). When the hindleg is adpressed the heel reaches the region of the axilla. Distribution mainly east of the Paraguay River with only marginal occurrence in Dpto. Presidente Hayes. Vocalisations deep. - Odontophrynus americanus
3b No clear pale vertebral line. Dorsal surface entirely granular. When the hindleg is adpressed the heel reaches the eye. Distribution west of the Paraguay River, no records from eastern Paraguay. Vocalisations relatively high-pitched. - Odontophrynus lavillai
