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
Smilisca phaeota
Masked Tree Frog
Cope, 1862
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium-sized frog with smooth skin. Its most notable feature is a dark stripe that traverses the cephalic region, hiding the eye and extending towards the flanks. Its dorsum varies from brown to olive green tones, allowing for excellent mimicry with the forest environment.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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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.Smilisca
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Cope, 1862
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 mainly the understory of humid jungles, lowland forests, and disturbed areas near water bodies. It is an arboreal species usually found in low vegetation or near temporary ponds.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Nocturnal and active species. It moves with great dexterity among the low foliage and branches, using its adhesive disks to hold firmly to the leaves even in heavy rain conditions.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary, except during the breeding season. Males are quite territorial and establish calling sites near temporary ponds to attract females.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Ambush predator. Remains motionless waiting for potential prey to approach, then captures it with a quick and precise movement of its protractile tongue.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Generalist insectivore. It captures a wide variety of arboreal invertebrates, especially small flying insects and arachnids, detecting them through subtle movements in the vegetation.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous. Deposits egg masses in temporary water bodies or ponds. Larval development is aquatic and relatively fast, adapted to the temporality of its breeding sites.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
4.5 - 6.5 cm
Weight (Grams)
10 g - 30 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 - 500
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.
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 slightly smaller, with a distinctive and developed subgular vocal sac, vital for the power and frequency of its territorial calls.
Females Multi-lang
Females are larger and have a more voluminous body structure, necessary for the development of the egg clutch before the breeding season.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Facial Mimicry: The dark mask breaks the silhouette of its eye, a key evolutionary trait to go unnoticed by visual predators while resting on trunks.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Forest fragmentation: Being a species that depends on stratified vegetation near water sources, local deforestation severely impacts its dispersal capacity.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Vocal Behavior: Males emit a call reminiscent of a short and deep bark, which allows them to coordinate complex reproductive choruses during the wettest nights.