Amphibian
Veined Tree Frog
Trachycephalus typhoniusAlso known as Common Milk Frog, Pepper Tree Frog
Veined tree frogs inhabit humid lowland forests across Central and South America, spending most of their adult lives high in the canopy. When threatened, they secrete a sticky, milky liquid from skin glands that deters predators and causes intense irritation to sensitive membranes. During the rainy season, males gather in water-filled tree cavities to produce resonant, low-pitched calls that broadcast across the forest.
ArborealNocturnalAmphibian
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyBeetles, Moths, Crickets
Predators
- Tree snakes
- Owls
- Large spiders
ThreatsDeforestation, habitat fragmentation, agricultural pollution
HabitatsHumid lowland forests, swamps, canopy, agricultural edges
Life span5–10 years
Classification
- OrderAnura
- FamilyHylidae
- GenusTrachycephalus
- SpeciesTrachycephalus typhonius
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Skin secretions cause severe irritation to eyes and skin; wash hands thoroughly after contact.
- Why it is dangerous
- Secretes a toxic, sticky milky fluid from skin glands that causes severe burning in eyes and mucosal membranes.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for grainy brownish-green skin, broad body shape, and golden iris marked with a dark cross.
- What to do
- Observe without touching, wash skin immediately if contact occurs, and keep domestic pets away.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Search low vegetation and tree trunks near standing water after evening rains.
- Handling: Avoid touching bare skin to prevent contact with sticky, irritating fluids.
- Photography: Use soft diffused lighting at night to capture the intricate patterns on their eyes.
Co-occurring Frog "Red-Eyed Tree Frog" by Kurayba is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/. · cc-by-sa
Competitor (c) Connor Margetts, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Connor Margetts · cc-by
Predator (c) Sidnei Dantas, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Crusier / CC BY 3.0 · cc-by
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Moonlight Marvels
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