Powdered glass frog (Cochranella pulverata)

Cute Frog of the Week: March 7, 2011

Powdered glass frogs (Cochranella pulverata) are distinguished by their covering of white, irregularly sized spots on a lime-green body, looking like they’ve had a smattering of talcum powder. Their forward-facing eyes set them apart from other tree frogs, providing them with binocular vision and the most adorable anthropomorphic facial expressions that few other frogs can rival. Scientifically known as Cochranella pulverata, these amphibians live in forest-lined streams of Central and South America and are most active in the evening where males call to females while battling for the prime leaves overhanging rivers. They need these special sites to lay their jelly-like egg masses where tadpoles develop, eventually hatching and plopping down into the stream below as fully formed tadpoles.  They’re faring better than some of their froggie friends—the International Union for Conservation of Nature considers powdered glass frogs of least concern.

Photo credit: Joe Milmoe, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Every week the Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project posts a new photo of a cute frog from anywhere in the world with an interesting, fun and unique story to tell. Be sure to check back every Monday for the latest addition.

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