Synapturanus is a genus of microhylid frogs. They are found in northern South America. Common name disc frogs has been coined for the genus. Because of their fossorial life style, their natural history is poorly known.
Synapturanus are fossorial and mostly nocturnal tropical rainforest frogs found in the leaf litter and soft soils. Calling takes place usually during rain, which apparently triggers the calling. Eggs are deposited terrestrially in a small burrow below the soil surface. The tadpoles are endotrophic (developing without external food sources). Stomach contents have included nematodes and various arthropods (ants, termites, and spiders).
Females are larger than males. Breeding males have a glandular swelling on the wrist. Males and females are otherwise similar. The largest species is Synapturanus mirandaribeiroi, which reaches a snout–vent length of at least 37mm.
This genus has ten recognized species:[1]
| Binomial name and author | Common name | |
|---|---|---|
| Synapturanus ajuricaba | ||
| Synapturanus artifex | ||
| Synapturanus danta | Tapir frog | |
| Synapturanus latebrosus | ||
| Synapturanus mesomorphus | ||
| Synapturanus mirandaribeiroi | Miranda's disc frog | |
| Synapturanus rabus | Vaupes disc frog | |
| Synapturanus sacratus | ||
| Synapturanus salseri | Timbo disc frog | |
| Synapturanus zombie | Zombie frog | |