Phyllomedusa

Phyllomedusa
	Waxy monkey leaf frog (Phyllomedusa sauvagii)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Hylidae
Subfamily:	Phyllomedusinae
Genus:	Phyllomedusa; Wagler, 1830
Species
	See text

Phyllomedusa is a genus of tree frogs in the subfamily Phyllomedusinae found in tropical and subtropical South America (south to northern Argentina) and Panama. It has 16 recognised species.^[1]

Taxonomy

The following species are recognised in the genus Phyllomedusa:^[1]

Phyllomedusa bahiana
Phyllomedusa bicolor - giant leaf frog
Phyllomedusa boliviana
Phyllomedusa burmeisteri - Burmeister's leaf frog
Phyllomedusa camba
Phyllomedusa chaparroi
Phyllomedusa coelestis
Phyllomedusa distincta
Phyllomedusa iheringii
Phyllomedusa neildi
Phyllomedusa sauvagii - waxy monkey leaf frog
Phyllomedusa tarsius- tarsier leaf frog
Phyllomedusa tetraploidea
Phyllomedusa trinitatis
Phyllomedusa vaillantii - white-lined leaf frog
Phyllomedusa 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.^[2]

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.

References

^ ^a ^b Frost, Darrel R. (2022). "Search for Taxon: Phyllomedusa". Amphibian Species of the World, an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History, New York. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
^ Caldwell, Janalee P. (1999). "Animal adaptations". In Mares, Michael A. (ed.). Encyclopedia of Deserts. University of Oklahoma Press. pp. 24–27. ISBN 9780806131467.

External links

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[ASW6-1] Frost, Darrel R. (2022). "Search for Taxon: Phyllomedusa". Amphibian Species of the World, an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History, New York. Retrieved 21 November 2022.

[2] Caldwell, Janalee P. (1999). "Animal adaptations". In Mares, Michael A. (ed.). Encyclopedia of Deserts. University of Oklahoma Press. pp. 24–27. ISBN 9780806131467.

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