ExploreAmphibians

Ghatixalus variabilis

Ghatixalus variabilis

The Ghatixalus variabilis, also known as the variable tree frog, is a colorful little frog that loves to climb trees. It can change its color to blend in with its surroundings, making it a clever little creature!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Ghatixalus variabilis is a small arboreal frog, typically greenish-brown with darker patterns, though colors can vary to yellow or reddish. Its granular skin often features small tubercles, helping it blend seamlessly with mossy forest environments.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderAnuraFamilyRhacophoridaeGenusGhatixalus
Ghatixalus variabilis
social trait badgesinging trait badgearboreal trait badgecamouflaged trait badge
Ghatixalus variabilis

Category

Amphibians

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

It hunts insects and spiders, waiting patiently for prey to hop or fly by.

Its tadpoles grow up in tiny pools of water found high inside plants or tree holes.

The males make loud calls at night to attract females, filling the forest with sound.

This frog belongs to a family famous for building foamy nests for their eggs!

Special abilities

Ability

Sticky Toes

Ghatixalus variabilis can climb trees with ease because of special sticky toe pads that help them grip smooth surfaces firmly.

Ability

Living Nest Builder

Ghatixalus variabilis lays its eggs in a protective foam nest within water-filled tree holes, helping keep them safe.

Ability

Color Camouflage

Ghatixalus variabilis has variable coloration that helps them blend perfectly with moss, bark, or leaves, making them very hard to spot.

Measurements & details

Length
2.8-5 cm
Weight
0.001-0.01 kg
Lifespan
5-8 years
Clutch Size
100-300
Metamorphosis
30-60 days

Diet & Feeding

This frog enjoys a diet of small insects and spiders, making it an important pest controller.

Age differences: Tadpoles are detritivores, eating decaying plant matter, while adults are carnivores.

Primary Foods

  • flies
  • beetles
  • moths
  • spiders
  • crickets

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

hunts

Fruit Fly

Drosophila melanogaster

A common tiny insect prey

eaten by

Common Bronzeback Tree Snake

Dendrelaphis tristis

An arboreal snake predator

eaten by

Jungle Owlet

Glaucidium radiatum

A small nocturnal bird of prey

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch frogs from a distance and don't touch them, as they can be sensitive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Ghatixalus variabilis?

2.8-5 cm

How much does Ghatixalus variabilis weigh?

0.001-0.01 kg

How long does Ghatixalus variabilis live?

5-8 years

What does Ghatixalus variabilis eat?

This frog enjoys a diet of small insects and spiders, making it an important pest controller.

Where is Ghatixalus variabilis usually found?

Forests

How does Ghatixalus variabilis hunt?

Ambush

How many eggs does Ghatixalus variabilis lay?

100-300

How long does Ghatixalus variabilis take to complete metamorphosis?

30-60 days

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Amphibians