Phyllomedusa

Phyllomedusa is a genus of tree frogs in the family Phyllomedusidae from tropical and subtropical South America (south to northern Argentina) and Panama. It has 16 recognised species.[1]

Phyllomedusa
Waxy monkey leaf frog (Phyllomedusa sauvagii)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Phyllomedusidae
Genus: Phyllomedusa
Wagler, 1830
Species

See text

Secretion

Some Phyllomedusa species produce a waxy secretion that reduces the evaporative water loss of their bodies. If they begin to dry out, they move their limbs over their backs, where the secretory glands are, and spread the lipid secretion over their entire skin.[2]

Some indigenous groups from South America use the secretions of Phyllomedusa bicolor, the giant leaf frog, in shamanic hunting practices. The substance is said to intoxicate the hunters who ingest it, causing them to temporarily improve their sensorial capacities.

Reproduction

In this genus of tree frogs, eggs are deposited on a leaf surface, interspersed with hydrating jelly capsules. During the mating process, the frogs fold the leaf around their batch of eggs using their limbs, with a jelly plug at the bottom of the folded leaf to prevent the eggs from falling out. At hatching, the jelly plug is liquified, and the tadpoles drop through the previously plugged hole. These nests are made above water, so the tadpoles drop into a suitable habitat, where they begin their lives as filter feeders.

Scientific classification
Phyllomedusa tetraploidea
Phyllomedusa venusta

The following species are recognised in the genus Phyllomedusa:[1]

Several other species formerly included in this genus are now placed in two other phyllomedusid genera: Callimedusa and Pithecopus.

Captivity

The waxy monkey tree frog is known to be kept in captivity.

References
  1. Frost, Darrel R. (2020). "Search for Taxon: Phyllomedusa". Amphibian Species of the World, an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History, New York. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
  2. Caldwell, Janalee P. (1999). "Animal adaptations". In Mares, Michael A. (ed.). Encyclopedia of Deserts. University of Oklahoma Press. pp. 24–27. ISBN 9780806131467.

Further reading


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