What genus contains the Titicaca water frog?

The Titicaca water frog belongs to the genus Telmatobius.

Its scientific name is Telmatobius culeus, and it lives in the Lake Titicaca basin of Bolivia and Peru. Telmatobius is an Andean genus whose members are closely tied to high-elevation lakes, rivers, wetlands, and streams. The genus name combines Greek words meaning “swamp” and “life.”

Telmatobius culeus is unusually adapted to a completely aquatic existence. Its loose, folded skin increases the surface available for absorbing oxygen from cold water, while its lungs are relatively small compared with those of many similarly sized frogs. It is also one of the world’s largest fully aquatic frogs.

The species is endangered. Pollution, introduced trout, disease, habitat degradation, and capture for food or traditional products have contributed to steep declines. A frequent mix-up is confusing the genus with the species: Telmatobius is the genus, while culeus identifies this particular water frog.