The Andean marsupial tree frog (Gastrotheca riobambae), also known as the Riobamba marsupial frog or Riobamba pouched frog, is a species of frog in the family Hemiphractidae. It is endemic to Ecuador. The species is confined to the Andes and the inter-Andean valleys, from Imbabura south to Chimborazo. They live in an altitude of above sea-level. The Andean marsupial tree frog´s habitat varies from the montane forests to the dry rocky hillsides, and from the agave plants to the corn fields. Once a common species, it is threatened by severe habitat loss.
Snout–vent length of Gastrotheca riobambae is about 48 mm. It has a broad, depressed body. Skin is smooth above but granulated below.
Within this genus, the males transfer the eggs from the female´s cloaca to their dorsal pouch till they reach development at the tadpole stage. It takes approximately five to six weeks that the eggs stay in the female´s pouch. Once they reach the stage as tadpoles, they continue their development in water, and go through metamorphosis in a few weeks time.
Gastrotheca riobambae are sometimes kept as pets.
Source: Wikipedia, article Gastrotheca riobambae.
Content adapted from Wikipedia, available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Accessed on 17/07/2026.