GERMAN
spread
From southern Mexico through Central America to much of South America, including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Its range is wide and adaptable.
habitat
It inhabits mainly humid tropical rainforests, but also occurs in drier areas as long as there is water nearby. It is an arboreal species, meaning it spends much of its life in trees, hiding in tree hollows or among large leaves.
Description
Trachycephalus typhonius is a powerfully built frog with thick, slightly warty skin. Its coloration varies between shades of green, brown, and gray, with irregular spots that serve as camouflage.
A particularly interesting feature: It has glands that produce milky, sticky substance which has a strong irritating effect – a rather unusual defense mechanism in frogs. These secretions can cause burning in the eyes and on the skin of humans and predators.
Life expectancy
In the wild, it can live for about 5 to 8 years, depending on environmental conditions and threats.
Behave
It is nocturnal and very reclusive. It hides during the day and hunts at night. Its ability to climb trees and cling to moist surfaces—thanks to its adhesive pads on its toes—makes it a true arboreal specialist.
During the breeding season, its call can be heard over long distances. Its voice is loud and very distinctive.
Nutrition
It is a carnivore. Its diet consists of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. It catches its prey with lightning speed using its sticky tongue. Like many amphibians, it lurks motionless until the prey is close enough.
Role in the ecosystem
It plays an important role in natural insect control, especially species that can transmit diseases.
At the same time, it is an important food source for snakes, birds, and small mammals – a central link in the food chain. Furthermore, its tadpoles, through their activity in temporary bodies of water, help Recycling of organic materials, which improves water quality.
Scientifically interesting property
Its name “typhonius” comes from the Greek “Typhon,” a mythological storm figure – and that fits:
The call of the male during the mating season is exceptionally loud, almost thunderous. This piercing croak serves both to attract females and to scare off other males—a true acoustic spectacle in the jungle.
ENGLISH
MAMMAL POLYCHRUS ACUTIROSTRIS
distribution
From southern Mexico and Central America to much of South America, including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Its range is broad and highly adaptable.
Habitat
It primarily inhabits humid tropical forests, but can also be found in three areas as long as water bodies are nearby. It is an arboreal species, spending most of its life in trees, hidden in hollows or between large leaves.
Description
Trachycephalus typhonius is a robust amphibian with thick, slightly bumpy skin. Its coloration ranges from greenish to brown or grayish tones, with irregular spots that help camouflage it.
One of its most fascinating features: It possesses glands that secrete a milky, sticky substance that is highly irritating — an uncommon defense mechanism among frogs. This substance can cause burning sensations in the eyes and skin of both humans and predators.
Lifespan
In the wild, it can live between 5 and 8 years, depending on environmental conditions and predator pressure.
Behavior
It is nocturnal and highly reserved. During the day it hides, coming out at night to hunt. Its ability to climb trees and stick to moist surfaces – thanks to its adhesive toe pads – makes it a true arboreal specialist.
During the breeding season, its call can be heard from long distances. Its voice is loud and has a very distinctive tone.
Diet
Carnivorous. It feeds on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. Like many amphibians, it waits motionless for prey to come close, then strikes quickly with its sticky tongue.
Role in the Ecosystem
It helps regulate insect populations, including species that can transmit disease.
It is also an important food source for snakes, birds, and small mammals, making it a key link in the food chain. Its tadpoles, which develop in temporary pools, contribute to recycling organic matter, improving water quality in the process.
Scientific Curiosity
Its name “typhonius” comes from the Greek “Typhon”, a mythological storm creature — and fittingly so:
The male's call during mating season is exceptionally loud, almost thunder-like. This piercing croak serves both to attract females and to ward off rival males — a true acoustic show in the jungle night.
