Amero-Australian Treefrogs: Hylidae

Physical characteristics: The many jagged edges of the Sumaco horned treefrog set it apart from most other frogs. Its head is very large compared to its body. The snout is wide and triangular with a very pointy front. It has other edges on its head that give it the appearance of having pointy "cheeks" and "ears." Its eyes are large and set toward the side, and it has additional small points above its eyes. The Sumaco horned treefrog is several shades of brown, often with noticeable dark streaks on its face and dark bands on its legs. Its body is a bit flattened, and parts of the backbone poke up enough With its large mouth, this frog is able to eat large arthropods, as well as small lizards and other frogs. (Illustration by Amanda Humphrey. Reproduced by permission.) that they are visible as bumps down the middle of the back. The underside is brown and spotted with light brown or orange. It has long, thin legs and long, knobby toes. The toes on the front feet have no webs, but the toes on the back feet do have some webbing. Females are larger than males. Males reach 1.8 to 2.0 inches (4.3 to 5.0 centimeters) long, but females grow to 2.3 to 2.7 inches (5.7 to 6.6 centimeters) in length.

Geographic range: The Sumaco horned treefrog lives in northwestern South America, including parts of Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia.

Habitat: This frog can be found climbing through moist forests of lowland areas or low on mountains. It does not mate or have its young in the water.

Diet: With its large mouth, this frog is able to eat large arthropods, as well as small lizards and other frogs.

Behavior and reproduction: The Sumaco horned treefrog is active at night, when it moves through the trees of the forest. When it stays still, its body color and shape blend into the leaves. If a predator approaches, the frog will open its quite large mouth to flash its bright yellow tongue. This display may startle a predator and convince it to leave the frog be. Like the female Riobamba marsupial frog, the female Sumaco horned treefrog carries her eggs on her back, but the Sumaco horned treefrog does not have a pouch. Instead, the eggs stick to the top of her back. A typical female has about twenty-six large eggs at a time. The eggs skip the tadpole stage and hatch right into froglets.

Sumaco horned treefrogs and people: People rarely see or bother this frog.

Conservation status: The Sumaco horned treefrog is not considered endangered or threatened. ∎