Plate 045 · male calling on a log over a stream IdentificationFive marks on the plate
- 1Inflated vocal sac, pale, only in calling males.
- 2Brown back with irregular dark blotches.
- 3Large bulging eye, bronze iris and horizontal pupil.
- 4Large adhesive discs on fingers and toes.
- 5Long barred legs with dark crossbands.
Easily confused with La Banderita Marsupial FrogGastrotheca gracilisGreen spots on the back and, in females, a pouch on the back. Lesser Snouted Tree FrogScinax nasicusSmaller, with a pointed snout and smaller discs. 045 / 100 · AMPHIBIANS · HYLIDAELEAST CONCERN Rioja Tree Frog
Boana riojana
Ranita de zarzal · Andean Tree Frog
This is the typical tree frog of forest streams. Males call at night from branches, logs and rocks beside the water, with the vocal sac blown up under the throat. A specimen probably collected at Horco Molle was described as a separate species in 1992.
- Altitude
- c. 500 – 1,650 m (south)
- Habitat
- forest streams
- Family
- Hylidae (tree frogs)
- Synonyms
- Hypsiboas andinus, Hyla varelae
- Tree-dwelling
- Nocturnal
- Streams
- Night chorus
Altitude rangeFoothill and montane streams
Southern range (NW Argentina) In the south of its range, which includes Tucumán, it lives between about 500 and 1,650 m. Further north, in Bolivia, it climbs to 3,400 m.
FoodA night hunter
- Insectsmoths, flies, beetles
- Spidersin streamside plants
- Larvaecaterpillars and others
It ambushes prey at night on streamside plants. The tadpoles develop in the water.
BehaviourA streamside climber
- Vocal sac. The male inflates a pouch under the throat that amplifies its call.
- Toe discs. Adhesive discs let it climb wet logs and leaves.
- Nocturnal. By day it hides in vegetation and comes out at dusk.
Where to look in Tucumán- Reserva Experimental Horco Molle
- Sierra de San Javier
- Quebrada de Lules
- Parque Provincial La Florida