About Pithecopus azureus (Cope, 1862)
Pithecopus azureus (first described by Cope in 1862) is a species of frog belonging to the subfamily Phyllomedusinae. It is found in Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. Adult Pithecopus azureus measure between 31 and 44 mm in snout-vent length. This species has disproportionately large eyes relative to its head, and very little webbing on its forepaws. The skin on the frog's back (dorsum) is naturally bright green, but is capable of changing to brown during daytime. The ventral (underside) surface of the frog is whitish. A green stripe runs down each side of the hind legs, and some individual frogs have additional orange and black stripes on their legs. This species faces the threat of extinction due to habitat loss, caused by conversion of its native habitats to soybean and sugarcane farms, and by the construction of nearby dams.
