Costa Rica Species
AnimaliaIUCN LCApproved Recent Sighting

Smilisca sila

Pug-nosed Tree Frog

Duellman & Trueb, 1966

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small tree frog with a noticeably short and truncated snout, which gives it a flattened appearance. Its skin is smooth, usually of cryptic colors such as brown, gray, or olive green, allowing it to camouflage in vegetation.

Added by

Anonymous Curator

Reviewed by

Under Review

Other Names (Global)

Pug-nosed Tree FrogRana de árbol chataRana de árbol de nariz corta

Taxonomy

PhylumChordata
ClassAmphibia
OrderAnura
FamilyHylidae
GenusSmilisca
Taxonomic AuthorityDuellman & Trueb, 1966

Ecology & Status

Origin

Native

Population Trend

Stable

Breeding Season

Year Round

Trophic Role

Carnivore

Recent Sightings

Yes

Habitat Summary Multi-lang

Inhabits humid tropical and premontane forests, often found near streams and areas with dense vegetation.

Behaviour Multi-lang

Nocturnal and arboreal; usually active on leaves and branches near water.

Social Activity Multi-lang

Solitary; little aggressive behavior towards other members of its species.

Feeding Guild Multi-lang

Active forager; explores vegetation nocturnally.

Trophic Chain Details Multi-lang

Carnivore; hunts small insects and other arboreal arthropods.

Reproductive Behaviour Multi-lang

Oviparous; places its eggs in temporary ponds or low-current streams.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

3.0 - 5.0 cm

Weight (Grams)

5 g - 15 g

Offspring per cycle50 - 200
Sexual DimorphismYes

Lifespan

Sexual Maturity

1 - 2 Years

Gestation / Incubation

7 - 14

Lifespan Estimated
Males0 Years
Females0 Years

Sexual Dimorphism

Males Multi-lang

Males smaller with visible vocal sacs.

Females Multi-lang

Females larger to support egg load.

Evolutionary Adaptations Multi-lang

Flat snout: Adaptation that may be related to its lifestyle and access to specific microhabitats in the vegetation.

Main Threats Multi-lang

Habitat loss and contamination of freshwater sources by human activities.

Interesting Facts Multi-lang

Its calls are very characteristic and are used by males to attract females during rainy nights.