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
Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni
Fleischmann's Glass Frog
Boettger, 1893
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small, delicate anuran, notable for its transparent ventral skin that allows its internal organs to be observed. Its back is a bright lime green with yellowish spots, which allows it to camouflage effectively among the leaves of riparian vegetation.
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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).Centrolenidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Hyalinobatrachium
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Boettger, 1893
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.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Insectivore
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
Lives strictly along crystal-clear water streams in tropical jungles and cloud forests. It is a mostly arboreal species that prefers to perch on the underside of leaves above the water.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Nocturnal species highly dependent on humidity. Its behavior focuses on defending territories along the stream and constant care of the egg clutch during the night.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary, except during the breeding season. Males are intensely territorial, emitting constant calls and fighting physically with other males for control of the best leaves for nesting.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Ambush predator. Waits patiently on the underside of the leaf for an insect to land or fly nearby, then lunges with a calculated jump to capture it.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Insectivore. Feeds on small flying insects and arachnids found in the low arboreal vegetation, capturing them with quick and precise movements during the night.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous species. The female deposits her eggs in a gelatinous mass on the underside of leaves hanging over streams. After hatching, the tadpoles fall into the water to complete their development.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
1.8 - 2.5 cm
Weight (Grams)
1 g - 2 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.15 - 30
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.
1 - 2 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
1 - 2
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males2 - 4 Years
Females2 - 4 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are slightly smaller and possess developed vocal sacs, as well as humeral spines on their front limbs, which they use to fight against other males in territorial disputes.
Females Multi-lang
Females are larger in size and lack humeral spines. Their structure is more voluminous, facilitating the production of the egg mass necessary for reproduction.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Ventral Transparency: This unique adaptation reduces its visibility against the leaf on which it rests when illuminated from above, minimizing the contrast of its silhouette to predators.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Water Pollution: The sensitivity of its eggs and tadpoles to pesticides and sediments in stream water puts its reproductive success at risk in agricultural areas.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Male Parental Care: The male dedicates a large part of its energy to patrolling and protecting the egg clutch on the underside of leaves, defending it against predatory insects and preventing them from drying out through constant wetting.