# Phyllomedusa sauvagii The Phyllomedusa sauvagii, also known as the waxy monkey tree frog, is a bright green frog that loves to climb trees. It has special skin that helps it stay moist and safe in its home high up in the leaves. - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Forests - **Also known as:** Waxy Monkey Tree Frog ![Phyllomedusa sauvagii](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Makifrosch-59.jpg&width=800) Photo: CC BY-SA 2.0 de · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Makifrosch-59.jpg) ## Appearance The Phyllomedusa sauvagii has a vibrant lime-green body with a creamy white belly. Its sides and inner legs feature striking reddish-orange markings. It has large, dark eyes with vertical pupils, and its skin appears somewhat waxy. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Anura - **Family:** Phyllomedusidae - **Genus:** Phyllomedusa ## Interesting facts - It can reabsorb water from its bladder, staying hydrated for weeks! - These frogs 'sunbathe' to help them spread their protective waxy coating! - They build amazing leaf nests by folding leaves over water to lay eggs! - Unlike most frogs, Waxy Monkey Frogs usually walk instead of hopping. ## Special abilities - **Waxy Skin Shield:** Phyllomedusa sauvagii can produce a unique waxy secretion that covers its skin, helping prevent dehydration in dry environments. - **Water Recycler:** Phyllomedusa sauvagii can absorb and store water in its bladder, helping them survive long periods without hydration. - **Leaf Walker:** Phyllomedusa sauvagii has backward-facing spikes on its feet that help them grip leaves and branches for climbing. - **Tree Gripper:** Phyllomedusa sauvagii has large, adhesive toe pads that help them stick to smooth surfaces, perfect for tree-climbing. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 5-7.5 cm - **Weight:** 0.01-0.025 kg - **Lifespan:** 5-10 years - **Clutch Size:** 300-800 - **Metamorphosis:** 21-30 days ## Diet & Feeding This frog enjoys a diet of various insects and small invertebrates it catches in its arboreal home. - **Primary Foods:** crickets, moths, beetles, flies, spiders - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Urutu Pit Viper (*Bothrops alternatus*) — This snake may prey on adult frogs in their habitat. - **Eaten by:** [Great Horned Owl](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-horned-owl) (*Bubo virginianus*) — Nocturnal owls hunt frogs from the tree canopy. - **Eats:** [Field Cricket](https://www.snappit.app/explore/field-cricket) (*Gryllus assimilis*) — A common insect prey item found in the frog's habitat. - **Eats:** [Fall Armyworm Moth](https://www.snappit.app/explore/fall-armyworm-moth) (*Spodoptera frugiperda*) — This moth is a common food source for the frogs. ## Traits - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Singing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/singing): Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species. - [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Thermoregulating](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/thermoregulating): Thermoregulating organisms maintain a stable internal body temperature despite fluctuations in the external environment. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Endangered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/endangered): Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. ## Collections - [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always watch frogs from a distance and don't touch them, as they can be delicate. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Phyllomedusa sauvagii? Check the toe pads, leg length, eye markings, back pattern and body shape. Don't lean on color: some frogs change shade to match their surroundings. Frog Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Phyllomedusa sauvagii? 5-7.5 cm ### How much does Phyllomedusa sauvagii weigh? 0.01-0.025 kg ### How long does Phyllomedusa sauvagii live? 5-10 years ### What does Phyllomedusa sauvagii eat? This frog enjoys a diet of various insects and small invertebrates it catches in its arboreal home. ### Where is Phyllomedusa sauvagii usually found? Forests ### How does Phyllomedusa sauvagii hunt? Foraging ### How many eggs does Phyllomedusa sauvagii lay? 300-800 ## Where to spot - [Six Flags Discovery Kingdom](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/six-flags-discovery-kingdom) — California, US · Zoo ## More Amphibians - [Eastern Red-backed Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-red-backed-salamander) (*Plethodon cinereus*) - [California Slender Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-slender-salamander) (*Batrachoseps attenuatus*) - [Cuban Tree Frog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cuban-tree-frog) (*Osteopilus septentrionalis*) - [European Toad](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-toad) (*Bufo bufo*) --- Source: [Phyllomedusa sauvagii: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/phyllomedusa-sauvagii)