Costa Rica Species
AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN ENInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Endangered — faces a very high risk of extinction if threats are not urgently addressed.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting

Isthmohyla zeteki

Zetek's Tree Frog

(Gaige, 1929)

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium-sized tree frog with a smooth skin, typically displaying shades of green or brown, often with dark flecks and a pale venter.

Added by

Anonymous Curator

Reviewed by

Under Review

Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.

Rana de ZetekZetek's Tree Frog

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.Isthmohyla
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Gaige, 1929)
Record Completeness
94%
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.

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

Inhabits high-altitude cloud forests, primarily near rocky streams and within dense, moist vegetation.

BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang

Nocturnal; found resting on vegetation during the day and active along streams at night.

Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang

Males are known to be territorial and call from locations near flowing water.

Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang

Riparian insectivore.

Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang

Insectivore; captures small prey like midges and spiders in the riparian zone.

Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang

Eggs are laid on vegetation or rocks over streams, allowing tadpoles to develop in the water.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

3.0 - 4.5 cm

Weight (Grams)

2 g - 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.50 - 150
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).

10 - 20

Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males4 - 6 Years
Females4 - 6 Years

Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.

Males Multi-lang

Males are smaller, often having vocal sacs for advertising calls.

Females Multi-lang

Females are larger and lack vocal sacs.

Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang

Specialized toe pads for maneuvering on wet, slippery surfaces and effective crypsis to blend with its forest environment.

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang

Threatened by chytridiomycosis, habitat loss due to deforestation, and climate change affecting cloud forest ecosystems.

Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang

Named after James Zetek, an entomologist and naturalist who worked extensively in the Panama Canal Zone.