Class:
Amphibia
Order:
Anura
Scientific Name:
Phyllomedusa bicolor
Range:
Amazon Rain Forest Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Guianas, Guianian region of Venezuela
Habitat:
Tree branches in the rain forest canopy, usually above water
Diet:
Wild: This species is a carnivore. Primarily eats various insects and worms.
Zoo: Crickets, nightcrawlers, superworms, occasional 'pinky' mice and vitamins.
Gestation:
Incubation: 7-10 days
Litter:
Clutch size: up to 350 eggs
Life Span:
10 years (in captivity)
Description:
Their bodies are bright green, with cream spots bordered in black along their sides, and a gray throat, chest and underside of legs. 'Waxy' refers to lipid secretions they spread over their bodies to prevent water loss. Also known as Monkey Tree Frog - 'monkey' refers to the opposable thumb they use to better grasp the branches they live among.
Behavior: Nocturnal. Walks or runs, rather than jumping, hand over hand through branches. Sleeps in the daytime high in the canopy. Easily seen in exhibit perched on vines.
Reproduction: At the height of the rainy season, males will call to attract females several miles away. If the female likes what she hears, she will spend up to an hour tracking him down. Their courtship begins face-to-face and if she likes what she sees, she will turn 90 degrees and the male will climb on her back. This is called 'amplexus.' She will carry the male piggyback, throughout the rain forest until she finds a broad leaf overhanging a pool of water. As they lay up to 350 eggs, their back feet cup the leaf edges together creating a funnel-shaped nest. Seven to 10 days later, the tadpoles hatch and fall into the water below.
Did You Know?
- These frogs may be able to aid in the development of medications that would alleviate the symptoms of Alzheimer's, depression and other brain disorders.
- Many Amazonian people refer to this frog as 'sapo mono' which translates to monkey frog.
Where in the Zoo?
I can be found in the RainForest Amphibian Exhibits at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
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