Phyllomedusa burmeisteri Boulenger, 1882

Species Nomenclature and Native Range

Phyllomedusa burmeisteri, also called Burmeister's leaf frog and common walking leaf frog, is a species of frog native to the Atlantic Forest biome of Brazil.

Evolutionary Units

This species contains two distinct evolutionary units, referred to as BUR and BUR-RJ.

BUR-RJ Distribution

Members of the BUR-RJ unit are typically found near the Serra do Mar mountain range in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

BUR Unit General Distribution

Members of the BUR unit occur across multiple locations in South America, and are prominent in the region, with their highest concentration in Brazil.

BUR Unit Brazilian Distribution

Within Brazil, the BUR unit is concentrated in the states of Bahia, Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo, and is most commonly encountered in Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo.

BUR Unit Habitat

BUR unit individuals usually inhabit areas around still fresh water, clearings, and forest borders.

BUR-RJ Range Restriction Cause

The restricted range of the BUR-RJ unit is caused by the Paraíba do Sul River cutting off its distribution.

Range Limiting Factors

Geographic features such as rivers and mountain ranges are known to limit species ranges and prevent expansion into new areas.

Mating Communication Method

For mating, this species uses visual communication.

Visual Mating Display

Males and females slowly stretch and relax their patterned legs as part of a visual mating display, a movement that can be described as peddling.

Male Response to Display

In response to this leg stretching, males increase their call rate, measured in pulses per call, which allows females to locate a mate more quickly.

Mating Site and Oviposition

Mating occurs on a leaf, and the pair leaves egg clusters wrapped within the leaf.