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.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Agalychnis saltator
Misfit Leaf Frog
Taylor, 1955
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A slender tree frog with a bright green dorsal coloration and flanks that can show yellowish or orange tones. Its eyes, with a vertical pupil, are a distinctive characteristic of the genus, providing it with exceptional night vision for hunting.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Gerardo Venegas
Last modified by
Gerardo Venegas
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).Phyllomedusidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Agalychnis
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Taylor, 1955
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 the treetops and canopy of humid lowland forests and premontane forests. It is a species dependent on environmental humidity and dense forest cover.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Strictly nocturnal species. During daylight hours, it remains inactive and camouflaged in the high foliage, avoiding visual detection.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary, except during the breeding season, when males congregate in ponds and flooded areas to form mating choruses.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Active nocturnal ambush hunter. Waits patiently on leaves for prey to approach, then lunges through a precise jump.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Insectivore. Feeds on small flying insects and other arthropods that it captures through precise jumps and the use of its sticky tongue.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous. Lays its eggs in a gelatinous mass on the underside of leaves hanging over ponds. After hatching, the larvae fall into the water.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
3.5 - 5.0 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 - 40
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 - 5 Years
Females3 - 5 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are somewhat smaller and develop more evident vocal sacs, crucial for the intensity of their territorial songs.
Females Multi-lang
Females are more robust and have a larger body size, which favors the storage of necessary nutrients for egg development.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Jumping capacity: Possesses highly muscular hind limbs adapted for long-distance jumping, allowing it to quickly escape from arboreal predators.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Fragmentation and loss of forest canopy: Being a highly specialized species living at heights, deforestation drastically reduces its available habitat.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Unique egg deposition: Unlike other frogs that deposit eggs directly into water, this species places its clutches on leaves over water bodies, facilitating the tadpoles falling after hatching.