Red webbed tree frog (Hypsiboas rufitelus)

Cute Frog of the Week: October 15, 2012

The red webbed tree frog (Hypsiboas rufitelus) is an uncommon nocturnal tree frog, notable for its orange to tomato red webbing between its digits that look almost as if it had dipped its feet in paint. This species is native to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama and lives in humid lowland forest. Males are the ultimate hide and seekers—although their calls are heard year-round, they are still rarely seen.

The major threat to this elusive species is habit loss caused by the destruction of natural forest, habitat modification and intensified agriculture. Its calls are a high series of clucks with notes lasting about fifty milliseconds and fired in quick succession, all within a minute. At the current time the species is listed as least concern by the IUCN.

Photo by 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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