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
Smilisca puma
Puma Tree Frog
(Cope, 1885)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A moderate-sized hylid tree frog with a somewhat stocky but agile build. The dorsal coloration ranges from tawny tan and pale yellowish-brown to olive-brown, typically featuring a prominent dark brown or blackish interorbital bar and distinctive dark, paired longitudinal bands or cross-bands running down the back. Unlike some larger Smilisca species, it possesses very little or no webbing between the fingers, and its fingers terminate in well-developed adhesive discs. The flanks display a subtle dark reticulated or mottled pattern, and the eyes are large and prominent with a bronze to coppery iris and a horizontally elliptical pupil. The skin on the dorsum is smooth to slightly granular.
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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).Hylidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Smilisca
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Cope, 1885)
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 the humid, tropical moist lowland forests and premontane wet forests along the Caribbean slopes of Nicaragua and Costa Rica. It occurs from near sea level up to approximately 520 meters above sea level. This resilient species is frequently found in primary and secondary growth zones, and actively adapts to heavily disturbed areas such as open pastures, rural clearings, and temporary wetlands.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Primarily nocturnal and arboreal during the non-breeding periods, spending the daytime hidden on upper leaf surfaces or inside shaded vegetation. During the rainy season, males migrate down to ground level to call from shallow waters, floating vegetation, or low bushes near muddy banks. Their advertisement calls are distinct, low-amplitude vocal structures tailored for short-range communication.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary outside of explosive breeding events. During high-intensity rainfall, large numbers of males aggregate chorally around temporary pools, creating localized acoustic spacing. Interactions between individuals are primarily acoustic, with males establishing minimal defense distances through vocalizations.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Arboreal and terrestrial nocturnal invertivore, specialized in forest insects and small spiders.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Acts as an active nocturnal insectivore, preying on a wide variety of small forest arthropods, including beetles, moths, flies, and small spiders. In turn, adults are preyed upon by nocturnal birds, tree snakes, and larger predatory invertebrates, while the aquatic tadpoles feed on algae and organic detritus and serve as food for dragonfly larvae and aquatic beetles.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Breeding is synchronized with the heavy rainfall of the wet season in lentic water environments. Females deposit large clumps of eggs that spread out to form a thin surface film on shallow, temporary rain pools or ponds, including disturbed pasture depressions. This strategy forces the resulting aquatic tadpoles to undergo rapid, accelerated development to complete metamorphosis before the ephemeral pools completely dry out.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
3.2 - 4.6 cm
Weight (Grams)
3 g - 7.5 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.500 - 2000
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.
10 - 14 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
2 - 4
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males2 - 5 Years
Females2 - 6 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Adult males are slightly smaller and more slender than females, ranging from 3.2 to 3.8 cm in snout-vent length. They possess internal vocal sacs that dilate during calling activities and feature localized dark pigmentation or nuptial characteristics during peak breeding seasons.
Females Multi-lang
Adult females are physically larger and more robust, ranging from 4.0 to 4.6 cm in snout-vent length. They completely lack vocal sacs or slits and typically display a slightly heavier pelvic or abdominal build, especially when carrying mature eggs prior to oviposition.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Adhesive digital discs on fingers and toes that generate capillary forces, enabling agile vertical climbing on slick leaves and rainforest vegetation.
Dorsal color polymorphism and disruptive cross-banding that break up the body silhouette, allowing it to remain perfectly camouflaged against tree bark or dry leaves during daylight resting hours.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Localized habitat loss and degradation driven by expanding agricultural frontiers, logging operations, and extensive cattle ranching that remove the canopy cover.
Vulnerability to agrochemical runoff and water pollution in farming landscapes, which compromises the water quality of temporary breeding pools.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Unlike some of its close relatives like Smilisca sordida, which build complex mud basins along rushing rivers to lay eggs, Smilisca puma takes advantage of static water, casting its eggs directly onto the surface film of shallow, temporary pools.