Pest Alert, Coqui Frog

MoMISC News Release

Eleutherodactylus coqui, commonly known as the coqui frog, is a small tree frog slightly larger than 2.5 centimeters, or 1 inch, long, with colors varying from light yellow to dark brown. It has a round body shape and a broad rounded snout with obvious toe pads. They also make a distinctive “ko-kee” vocalization that can be easily heard. They are native to Puerto Rico.

Since the discovery of coqui frogs on Hawaii Island in the late 1980s, they have made it to all major islands including Maui, Oahu and Kauai.

MoMISC has intercepted and controlled one immature and seven mature coqui frogs that arrived on Molokai since 2001, preventing the establishment of this species on island. 

For photos and more information on coqui frogs, go online and search for “coqui frog Hawaii” and click on Hawaii Invasive Species Council, or search dlnr.hawaii.gov/hisc/info/invasive-species-profiles/coqui/.

Coqui frogs, little fire ants, and coconut rhinoceros beetles are three species that will really alter Molokai’s unique lifestyle if left unchecked. They could be here already, but we don’t know. With the help of our community, we can get a better picture of what’s going on across our island.

MoMISC is the Molokai subcommittee of the Maui Invasive Species Committee and a project of the University of Hawaii, Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit. Our mission is to prevent and control introduced invasive pests from becoming established on Molokai. MoMISC staff includes Coordinator Lori Buchanan, Kamalani Pali, Kawehi Soares and Tyson Pactol.  We work to keep Molokai free of new invasive species, but need support from our community to makaʻala: be vigilant, report and don’t transport any known invasive species. Most invasive species make it to Molokai by people. It takes everyone on our island to take care of our island. 

Protecting any shared environment requires more than awareness—it depends on steady action, early response, and a willingness to take responsibility before small problems grow roots. Invasive pests rarely arrive with fanfare; they slip in quietly through transported goods, unchecked materials, or simple oversight. Effective pest control is built on prevention first, backed by rapid intervention when risks appear, ensuring ecosystems remain balanced and resilient rather than constantly recovering from avoidable damage.

Community participation strengthens these efforts by turning vigilance into a daily habit rather than an occasional concern. When residents understand how to identify threats, follow proper reporting steps, and click here to learn more about responsible prevention practices, the collective defense becomes far stronger. Pest control, at its best, is a shared commitment—one that protects natural spaces, livelihoods, and future generations long before invasive species have a chance to take hold.

Reports are confidential and there is no cost for us to respond. If you need advice, have questions or think you have a new invasive species problem, contact MoMISC at (808) 480-8191.