Phyllomedusa


Phyllomedusa is a genus of tree frogs in the subfamily Phyllomedusinae found in tropical and subtropical South America and Panama. It has 16 recognised species.

Taxonomy

The following species are recognised in the genus Phyllomedusa:Phyllomedusa bahianaPhyllomedusa bicolor - giant leaf frogPhyllomedusa bolivianaPhyllomedusa burmeisteri - Burmeister's leaf frogPhyllomedusa cambaPhyllomedusa chaparroiPhyllomedusa coelestisPhyllomedusa distinctaPhyllomedusa iheringiiPhyllomedusa neildiPhyllomedusa sauvagii - waxy monkey leaf frogPhyllomedusa tarsius- tarsier leaf frogPhyllomedusa tetraploideaPhyllomedusa trinitatisPhyllomedusa vaillantii - white-lined leaf frogPhyllomedusa venusta
Several other species formerly included in this genus are now placed in two other phyllomedusid genera: Callimedusa and Pithecopus.

Ecology and behaviour

Secretions

Some species of the genus Phyllomedusa 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.
Some indigenous groups from South America use the secretions of Phyllomedusa bicolor, the giant leaf frog, in shamanic hunting practices and as a traditional medicine ritual known as Kambo cleanse. The substance intoxicates those who ingest it, and hunters believe it causes them to temporarily improve their sensorial capacities.

Reproduction

Species of the genus Phyllomedusa deposit their eggs 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.

Captivity

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