A rare and eye-catching amphibian found in the northern mountains and highland forests of Venezuela, especially near Puerto Cabello and in parts of the Tepui region — a landscape known for its flat-topped mountains, misty plateaus, and rich biodiversity. Like many treefrogs, this species belongs to the Hylidae family, and it’s specially adapted for life in the treetops of humid, tropical forests where it spends much of its time clinging to leaves, branches, and moss-covered bark.

This treefrog is notable for its slender body, large toe pads, and smooth, colorful skin that can vary in tone but often includes shades of green, brown, and even bluish hues, which help it camouflage in its lush, leafy environment. Its big, expressive eyes give it excellent night vision, and its long limbs and sticky toes make it a skilled climber. Unlike ground-dwelling frogs, the Puerto Cabello treefrog is rarely seen at ground level — it prefers the heights, where it can feed, call, and hide safely.

The species is nocturnal and insectivorous, meaning it’s most active at night and feeds on small insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. During the rainy season, males call loudly to attract females, using a distinctive chirping or trilling call that echoes through the canopy. These frogs lay their eggs near water sources — often small pools formed in tree hollows, bromeliads, or rock crevices — and the tadpoles develop in these tiny aquatic spaces until they transform into froglets and hop away into the forest.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Colombia

2020

Venezuela

2020