ExploreAmphibians

Dendropsophus ebraccatus

The Dendropsophus ebraccatus, also known as the Brazilian Tree Frog, is a small, colorful frog that loves to live in trees. They are great jumpers and can be found near water where they sing their cheerful songs!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Dendropsophus ebraccatus is a small, slender tree frog with a golden-brown body. It often features a distinct dark brown hourglass or X-shaped marking on its back, which makes it easily recognizable. A pale stripe frequently adorns its upper lip.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderAnuraFamilyHylidaeGenusDendropsophus

Dendropsophus ebraccatus

Interesting facts

Male hourglass tree frogs sing to attract mates, especially at night.

Tadpoles tumble directly into the water from eggs laid on leaves!

Their calls can sound like a series of soft 'wock-wock' noises.

These tiny frogs are usually smaller than an adult's thumb.

Special abilities

Dendropsophus ebraccatus lays its eggs on leaves hanging over water, so tadpoles can drop straight in upon hatching.

Dendropsophus ebraccatus has specialized toe pads that help it cling securely to slippery leaves and branches.

This frog has a patterned skin that helps it blend perfectly with tropical foliage, avoiding predators.

Measurements & details

Length: 2.3-3.7 cm
Weight: 0.002-0.005 kg
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Top Speed: 1 km/h
Clutch Size: 200-400
Metamorphosis: 21-28 days

Diet & Feeding

These tiny tree frogs are expert hunters, feasting on small insects and other invertebrates.

Age differences: Tadpoles eat algae and detritus, while adults primarily eat insects.

Primary Foods

Ants
Small beetles
Flies
Spiders
Crickets

Foraging Method

Ambush

Ecological connections

eaten by

Mexican Parrot Snake

Leptophis mexicanus

A common snake predator in its Central American range.

eaten by

Ornate Hawk-Eagle

Spizaetus ornatus

A large raptor that preys on smaller amphibians in its habitat.

eats

Black Garden Ant

Formica fusca

A common ant species, serving as a food source for the frog.

depends on

Heliconia

Heliconia imbricata

Often uses its leaves as a substrate for laying eggs.

Traits

Webbed Feet

Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming.

Social

Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.

Singing

Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species.

Arboreal

Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.

Colorful

Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.

Insectivorous

This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.