Hyloscirtus alytolylax (Duellman, 1972)

Taxonomy and Common Names

Hyloscirtus alytolylax is a species of frog in the Hylidae family, known by the English common names babbling stream frog, babbling torrenter, and tadapi tree frog.

Geographical Distribution

This species is found in Colombia and Ecuador.

Natural Habitats

Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, and rivers.

Conservation Threats

It is currently threatened by habitat loss.

Elevation Range

In Colombia, this frog has been observed at elevations between 500 and 2159 meters above sea level, while in Ecuador it is found between 400 and 2000 meters above sea level.

Adult Size

Adult male Hyloscirtus alytolylax measure 32.1–37.0 mm in snout-vent length, and adult females measure 37.2–43.9 mm.

Dorsal Appearance

The skin on its dorsum can be brown-green, yellow-green, gray-green, or light green, and has yellow stripes.

Activity Pattern

This frog is nocturnal.

Adult Perching Behavior

Adult individuals perch on plants 0.5 to 4.0 meters above the ground.

Juvenile and Tadpole Habitat

Tadpoles and young frogs live in and near fast-moving streams.

Etymology

The species' scientific name comes from the Greek words alytos, meaning "continuing", and lylax, meaning "talks very much", a reference to this frog's call.