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Project Noah Nature School
Hyla leucophyllata
Found this one along the trail near Napo on a night hike. Approximately 3 cm long. This little treefrog species has two distinct morphs or phases - the clown phase and the giraffe phase. Can you guess which phase is in this spotting?
Lowland rainforest near ExplorNapo Lodge. This frog prefers forest pools and forest edges. Look them on horizontal twigs above the water or on emergen grasses. They lay 300-600 eggs on leaves over the water. When the tadpoles hatch they drop into the water below to complete their development. They are widespread throughout the Amazon, but the giraffe phase is less common.
Looks like this is the giraffe morpho of the Clown Treefrog. It's amazing how different the morphs look! Thanks to those who helped us put a proper name to this wonderful frog!
Your spotting has been nominated for the Spotting of the Week. The winner will be chosen by the Project Noah Rangers based on a combination of factors including: uniqueness of the shot, status of the organism (for example, rare or endangered), quality of the information provided in the habitat and description sections. There is a subjective element, of course; the spotting with the highest number of Ranger votes is chosen. Congratulations on being nominated!
Oh my lord!! Giraffes and frogs are my favorite animals, I can't possibly explain how amazing this frog is! Must have been such a joy to find :)
@EntreAguas and @ForestDragon - Thanks very much for your help with IDing this frog! Beginning on June 26 we are going to attempt to post spottings directly from Peru during our 3 week workshop session. We'd love to have your help in identifying species while we are in the field!
Giraffe phase of Dendropsophus leucophyllatus, quite possibly. It looks very similar but I am not 100% sure. Beautiful photo and frog!
Spotted on Feb 19, 2009
Submitted on Jun 19, 2012
