Pithecopus hypochondrialis (Daudin, 1800)

Common Names and Taxonomy

Pithecopus hypochondrialis, commonly called the northern orange-legged leaf frog or tiger-legged monkey frog, is a species of frog in the subfamily Phyllomedusinae that lives in South America.

Natural Habitats

Its natural habitats include subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland, intermittent freshwater marshes, pastureland, plantations, rural gardens, urban areas, and heavily degraded former forests.

Urban Occurrence

Individuals of this species have also been observed living in cities.

Elevation Range

They can be found at elevations up to 1500 meters above sea level.

Activity and Perching Behavior

This is a nocturnal species, and individuals have been found perching on shrubs and other plants in both forests and seasonally flooded grasslands.

Mating Behavior

Males sit near temporary ponds and call to attract females.

Oviposition

Females lay their eggs on leaves that overhang water.

Tadpole Development

After hatching, the tadpoles fall into the water below.

Habitat Loss Threats

This species can be negatively impacted by habitat loss caused by deforestation from fire, agriculture, and cattle overgrazing.

Pet Trade Threat

It is also sold as part of the international pet trade.

Conservation Status

However, because this frog can survive in cities, it is not at high risk of extinction.