AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Pristimantis altae
Alta Rain Frog
(Dunn, 1942)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A very small, slender arboreal frog characterized by broad, well-developed adhesive discs on its fingers and toes. The dorsal skin is finely texture-granular, featuring variable coloration that ranges from yellowish-tan to reddish-brown, often displaying fine darker mottling or chevrons. It is distinctly recognized by its small body size and relatively large, protruding golden-copper eyes with a horizontal pupil.
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Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Amphibia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Anura
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Strabomantidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Pristimantis
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Dunn, 1942)
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Unknown
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Wet Season
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Primarily inhabits humid premontane and lower montane forests, typically found at elevations between 500 and 1,300 meters. It strictly depends on pristine, undisturbed cloud forests and very humid primary forests, where it utilizes lower understory vegetation, moss-covered stems, and large broadleaf foliage.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
A nocturnal and mostly arboreal species. During the day, it retreats into moist microhabitats such as tightly rolled axils of bromeliads or damp moss. At night, it emerges onto active perches on low shrubs and ferns to call and forge for insects.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Mainly solitary. Social behavior is restricted to the breeding months when territorial adult males vocalize with soft, distinct clicks or chirps from elevated perches to announce their location to nearby rivals and receptive females.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Arboreal micro-insectivore and small arthropod specialist.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Acts as an opportunistic micro-predator within the understory ecosystem, consuming small terrestrial and flying invertebrates like mites, springtails, flies, and small beetles. It falls prey to predatory invertebrates, nocturnal birds, and small arboreal snakes.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Engages in terrestrial reproduction with direct development. The female deposits a small clutch of unpigmented eggs in humid micro-sites, such as damp moss clumps or leaf axils above the ground, bypassing any aquatic larval stage completely.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
1.8 - 2.8 cm
Weight (Grams)
1 g - 3.5 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.12 - 26
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
8 - 12 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
30 - 45
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males2 - 4 Years
Females2 - 5 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are smaller and more slender, reaching an average length of about 1.8 to 2.2 cm. They possess subgular vocal sacs used to emit advertisement calls during mating periods.
Females Multi-lang
Females are moderately larger and stouter, growing up to 2.8 cm in length. They lack vocal structures and exhibit a wider abdominal area when carrying developed eggs.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Possesses highly specialized expanded adhesive digital pads that maximize surface area contact, enabling secure climbing and vertical stability on slick, rain-soaked tropical leaves and mossy branches.
Cryptic brown, tan, and moss-like dorsal skin patterns blend seamlessly into epiphytic vegetation, lichens, and damp foliage, making it virtually invisible to arboreal predators.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Loss of localized cloud forest microclimates driven by global warming and deforestation, which raises the cloud base line and dries out the essential moisture of its high-altitude habitat.
Susceptibility to structural habitat fragmentation from mountain road construction, small-scale farming expansion, and potential impact from fungal pathogens such as chytridiomycosis.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Like other members of its genus, this species skips the traditional aquatic tadpole stage completely, laying eggs that undergo direct development into tiny, fully formed froglets.