Costa Rica Species
Scinax elaeochroa
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

Scinax elaeochroa

Olive Tree Frog

Cope, 1875

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small to medium-sized frog with a slender body and skin that varies in shades from olive green to grayish brown. It features irregular dark patterns that aid in its camouflage. Its fingers have well-developed adhesive pads for arboreal climbing.

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.Scinax
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Cope, 1875
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 humid tropical rainforests, swampy areas, and river edges. It is frequently found in low vegetation, shrubs, and floodable grasslands.

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

Nocturnal species highly active during rainy nights. It spends the day resting, well hidden among the leaves of epiphytic plants or in low vegetation.

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

Solitary, although during the breeding season males congregate in ponds and flooded areas to form choruses and compete for mates.

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 binocular vision to detect the movement of small prey among the foliage and captures them with a quick strike of its sticky tongue.

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

Insectivore. Feeds mainly on small flying insects, ants, mites, and spiders that it actively hunts in the low arboreal vegetation.

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

Oviparous species. The female lays its eggs in water or on submerged vegetation of temporary ponds, where the tadpoles complete their development.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

2.5 - 4.0 cm

Weight (Grams)

2 g - 6 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 - 300
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.
Males2 - 4 Years
Females2 - 4 Years

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

Males Multi-lang

Males are generally smaller and possess more prominent vocal sacs that inflate considerably during the emission of their mating songs.

Females Multi-lang

Females have a larger and more robust body structure, necessary to house a larger number of eggs before the breeding season.

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

Chromatic camouflage: Its skin can darken or lighten depending on ambient light and the surface it rests upon, optimizing its invisibility to potential predators.

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

Habitat degradation and desiccation of temporary ponds. The loss of clean water bodies directly affects its reproductive success.

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

Distinctive vocalizations: Males emit a series of clicks or repetitive notes that resemble small metallic sounds, essential for attracting females in dense vegetation.