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 baudinii
Mexican Tree Frog
Duméril and Bibron, 1841
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium to large-sized frog with a robust build. Its dorsal coloration is highly variable, capable of changing rapidly between brown, gray, or green tones, often with irregular dark spots. It possesses large adhesive disks on its fingers that facilitate its arboreal life.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
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.Duméril and Bibron, 1841
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.
Wet Season
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
Inhabits a wide variety of ecosystems, from humid tropical forests to dry jungles, agricultural areas, and urban gardens. It is an extremely adaptable species and common in disturbed areas.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Mostly nocturnal species. During the day, it is found sheltering in tree hollows, bromeliads, or even under bark to avoid desiccation.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary outside the breeding season. During rains, males form choruses in temporary ponds, actively competing to attract females.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Active ambush hunter. Uses its sticky tongue to catch prey that approach its position on leaves or branches.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Opportunistic insectivore. Its diet consists of a wide range of arthropods, including beetles, moths, crickets, and other small insects captured in the vegetation.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous species. The female deposits large groups of eggs in temporary ponds or permanent water bodies. The larvae develop rapidly in the water.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
5.0 - 9.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
15 g - 45 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.100 - 1000
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.
Males3 - 6 Years
Females3 - 6 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are smaller and possess a very developed and evident subgular vocal sac, used during their mating songs.
Females Multi-lang
Females are larger and more robust than males, with a coloration that may appear more uniform in certain resting phases.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Color Change Capability: It can drastically alter its skin tonality in response to temperature, humidity, and the environment, allowing it to effectively hide from predators.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Although resilient, contamination of stagnant water sources and excessive urbanization can drastically reduce available breeding sites.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
It is known for its incredibly loud and deep mating calls, which can be heard over long distances, marking its presence on rainy nights.