Costa Rica Species
Centrolenella prosoblepon
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

Centrolenella prosoblepon

Emerald Glass Frog

Boettger, 1892

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small, bright green frog, known for its ventral skin that allows its internal organs to be seen. Its large, dark eyes give it a unique appearance among neotropical amphibians.

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).Centrolenidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Centrolenella
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Boettger, 1892
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

Inhabits stream banks in humid rainforests, preferring vegetation over running water.

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

Nocturnal and territorial species, very active near streams.

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

Solitary, except during mating season when males defend their territories.

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

Nocturnal active hunter that waits patiently for its prey on leaves.

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

Insectivore; consumes small arthropods inhabiting riparian vegetation.

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

Oviparous; deposits eggs on the underside of leaves over water.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

2.5 - 3.5 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.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).

2 - 4

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 slightly smaller and feature bony structures called humeral spines for fighting.

Females Multi-lang

Females are larger, lacking humeral spines, dedicated to egg production.

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

Advanced camouflage: Its emerald green coloration and ventral translucency minimize its silhouette against illuminated leaves.

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

Habitat loss and water quality degradation due to human activity.

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

An excellent parent; males fiercely protect eggs from potential predators and help maintain their hydration.