Trachycephalus mesophaeus (Hensel, 1867)

Taxonomy

Trachycephalus mesophaeus is a species of frog belonging to the family Hylidae.

Geographic Range

It is endemic to eastern Brazil, where it lives in the Atlantic Forest region ranging from Pernambuco to Rio Grande do Sul, and extends inland to central Minas Gerais.

Elevation Range

This species occurs at elevations below 800 meters (2,600 feet).

Etymology

Its common name, Porto Alegre golden-eyed treefrog, was chosen because Porto Alegre is this species' type locality.

Habitat

Trachycephalus mesophaeus can be found in primary forest, secondary forest, and forest edges, living on vegetation near bodies of water.

Breeding

It has explosive breeding that occurs in both temporary and permanent ponds, and its egg clutches float on the water surface.

Conservation Status and Threats

Trachycephalus mesophaeus is an abundant species, though it faces threats from clear cutting and water pollution.