Tree_Frogs

Tree Frogs
Tree frogs, or Leaf frogs--the family Hylidae, represent a large family of more than 800 species worldwide. Costa Rica's 43 species of tree frogs accounts for one third of the republic's frogs.

Their tree and leaf-climbing adaptations include large adhesive toe pads, long limbs, binocular vision, and impressive jumping ability. Some species spend their entire lives in the canopy. Others visit ponds and streams to breed, while some are found predominently on the forest floor. The most famous hylid in Costa Rica is no doubt the Red-eyed tree frog (Agalychnis callidryas) --see image on home page.

Tree frogs such as the (Smilisca baudinii) pictured above have wide, suction cup-like toe pads which aid them in climbling and holding on to leaf and limb surfaces (they do pretty well on glass as well). (Smilisca baudinii) has one of my all time favorite calls, a loud rapid series of deep honks.The quality of the sound has is like the honking from a clown's horn.

Links: Tree Frogs

http://www.amphibiaweb.org/lists/Hylidae.shtml
http://www.tolweb.org/Hylidae
http://www.livingunderworld.org/anura/database/hylidae/
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Hylidae.html

(Hyla ebraccata) is one of the more common frogs in suitable habitat. This small 2.5cm long frog is calling from a perch above a flooded pond in the rainy Caribbean lowlands.

This vocalizing male is competing amongst a chorus of other males, which have congregated at this pond for a female. Females select a male on the basis of the male's call.

The bright coloration seen here is how these frogs appear at night. The day time coloration is darker and more subdued.

(Smilisca phaeota) --at left with vocal sacs inflated--a guy thing. This vocalizing male, has come to a muddy puddle to advertise. This individual and all of the treefrogs on this page, is lit by strobe in the tropical night. The males call is an abrupt out of tune, honk-croak. It is given sporadically.