Phyllomedusinae

amphibian subfamily

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Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

The subfamily Phyllomedusinae is a group of tree frogs known for their unique locomotion. Unlike many other tree frogs that leap, Phyllomedusinae members have opposable digits on their hands and feet, allowing them to walk slowly along branches with a deliberate grip, similar to lemurs. These frogs are part of the larger Hylidae family, which includes numerous tree frog species found across the globe. Their reproductive strategies often involve laying eggs on vegetation above water, with tadpoles dropping into the water below upon hatching.123

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frog and toad
Annotated classification
…4 subfamilies: Pelodryadinae (Australo-Papuan region), Phyllomedusinae (Central and South America), Hemiphractinae (Central and South America), and Hylinae (North and South America, Europe, Asia except Indian subregion, and Africa north of Sahara). Family Leptodactylidae Eocene to present; 8 presacral vertebrae; pectoral girdle arciferal; maxillary teeth present;
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…4 subfamilies: Pelodryadinae (Australo-Papuan region), Phyllomedusinae (Central and South America), Hemiphractinae (Central and South America), and Hylinae (North and South America, Europe, Asia except Indian subregion, and Africa north of Sahara). Family Leptodactylidae Eocene to present; 8 presacral vertebrae; pectoral girdle arciferal; maxillary teeth present;
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frog and toad
Size range and diversity of structure
…members of the hylid subfamily Phyllomedusinae have opposable digits on the hands and feet and walk slowly along branches, deliberately grasping the branch in the manner of tiny lemurs. Many kinds of frogs have membranous webbing between the fingers and toes; in the aquatic species, the webbing on the feet…
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…members of the hylid subfamily Phyllomedusinae have opposable digits on the hands and feet and walk slowly along branches, deliberately grasping the branch in the manner of tiny lemurs. Many kinds of frogs have membranous webbing between the fingers and toes; in the aquatic species, the webbing on the feet…
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amphibian
Reproduction
Centrolenids and phyllomedusine hylids deposit eggs on vegetation above streams or ponds; upon hatching, the tadpoles (anuran larvae) drop into the water where they continue to develop throughout their larval stage. Some species from the families Leptodactylidae and Rhacophoridae create foam nests for their eggs in aquatic,…
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Centrolenids and phyllomedusine hylids deposit eggs on vegetation above streams or ponds; upon hatching, the tadpoles (anuran larvae) drop into the water where they continue to develop throughout their larval stage. Some species from the families Leptodactylidae and Rhacophoridae create foam nests for their eggs in aquatic,…
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frog and toad
From tadpole to adult
The phyllomedusine hylids in the American tropics suspend clutches of eggs from leaves or stems above ponds. Males call from trees; once a female has been attracted and amplexus takes place, the male placidly hangs onto the back of the female as she descends to the…
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The phyllomedusine hylids in the American tropics suspend clutches of eggs from leaves or stems above ponds. Males call from trees; once a female has been attracted and amplexus takes place, the male placidly hangs onto the back of the female as she descends to the…
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