by Arlene Miles

Created on: June 25, 2010

Mexican leaf frogs, bearing the scientific name of Pachymedusa dachnicolor, are one of a number of tropical frogs that lay their eggs on leaves instead of in the water. They are slightly less colorful than other types of tree frogs, but can rapidly change their color from brown to vivid green with gold or bright orange spots on their backs. The undersides are usually cream colored. These frogs are round in shape with golden eyes, reticulated with black. They range in six from 2.5 to 4 inches in length.

As the name suggests, Mexican leaf frogs are abundant in Mexico living in semi-arid forest lowlands of the Pacific coast as far south as the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and ranging northward to the Sonoran desert. These frogs only live on the periphery of the desert, however, as they lack some of the essential tools for survival for desert habitation, primarily due to their evolution from a group of tropical forest frogs.

Although they require an arid habitat, they rely on a definite rainy season for survival. Most of their water consumption comes from dew or mist on the large leaves on which they prefer to live. Frogs kept in captivity must be misted regularly.

Mexican leaf frogs reproduce by laying their eggs during the rainy season in trees and shrubs that are shaded from direct sunlight. Late afternoon rain during this time of year helps keep the eggs moist while maintaining high relative humidity levels in the ambient air. Egg masses are also assumed to reabsorb dew and rain water, helping to retain moisture. Most eggs hatch at night or in the early morning, with tadpoles, measuring 3/8-inch or less, falling to the ground or into the water. Those falling on land generally die within two hours if they don’t reach water within that timeframe.

Like most frogs, Mexican tree frogs are insectivores and consume most types of bugs. They are sometimes sold as exotic pets, as are other types of tree frogs and readily eat crickets, earthworms, moths, and flies.

Venom from this species has been found to have medicinal effects for humans. One of two peptides found in Mexican leaf frog venom has been found to reduce blood pressure by 50% when injected in a very low dose. The other peptide helps stop blood from clotting, which may prove to be particularly useful as a treatment for deep vein thrombosis, a condition that is potentially fatal.

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