Amphibians · Anura · Phyllomedusidae

Painted-belly Leaf Frog

Phyllomedusa sauvagii

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

The painted-belly leaf frog lives in the dry Chaco, a hostile setting for an amphibian. It survives thanks to a gland that secretes a lipid wax which the frog itself spreads over its whole body with its legs, forming a waterproof layer that prevents evaporation. It moves by climbing slowly with its hands, like a primate.

Size

6 cm – 9 cm

Lifespan

10 years

Diet

Insectivore

Feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates.

Activity

Nocturnal

Active mainly at night.

Social structure

Solitary

Lives and hunts alone, joining others only to breed.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

Temperate forestDesertGrasslandInsectivore Nocturnal Solitary Amphibian Temperate forest Desert Grassland

4countries 7parks1same family

Fun facts

GeneralIt coats itself with a waxy secretion, spread with its legs, to keep from drying out.
It waterproofs itself: it secretes a lipid wax and spreads it methodically over its whole body with all four legs, in a routine lasting several minutes, forming a layer that cuts water loss to levels comparable to a reptile's.
It walks rather than hops: it grips branches with its hands, thumb opposed, and moves slowly, with movements reminiscent of a tiny primate, which is where its name comes from.
Its skin secretion contains peptides being investigated as painkillers and antimicrobials, and is the basis of a traditional Amazonian medicine ritual known as kambô.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (amphibian)
Habitat & environment: Dry scrub of the Gran Chaco, in Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia and Brazil
Sexual maturity: 18 months
Gestation / incubation: Larval development in temporary pools
Litter / clutch size: 600 eggs

Sources consulted: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phyllomedusa_sauvagii