Banana Tree Dwelling Frog

Appearance

During the daytime, when "Boana platanera" is usually inactive, the frog has a pale cream coloration. However, during the night, the coloration is more variable, ranging from yellow to tan and light brown. The night coloration also has more or less well-defined brown markings, which can be irregular or in the shape of an X. "Boana platanera" is sexually dimorphic, with females being larger than males. The average snout–vent length of females is 63.1 millimetres, compared to the 54.3 millimetres of males. The advertisement call of "Boana platanera" is complex and composed of around five notes. The duration of the call is 200−451 milliseconds.

Naming

In Colombia and Venezuela, "Boana platanera" is, together with "Boana pugnax", known by the Spanish name "rana platanera". The specific name "platanera" was borrowed from this colloquial name, and it can be translated as "from the plantain". This refers to the banana trees on which these frogs are often seen in the daytime. "Rana platanera" can thus be translated as "banana tree dwelling frog", which is the English name suggested by the describers.

Distribution

The distribution range of "Boana platanera" encompasses parts of Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, and Trinidad and Tobago. It's widely distributed in Venezuela, but only north of the Orinoco river, which separates it geographically from "Boana xerophylla". A sympatric species sometimes confused with "Boana platanera" is "Boana pugnax".

Habitat

In addition to its wide geographical distribution, "Boana platanera" is also found in a wide range of elevations. It has been recorded from sea level to altitudes of 2,450 metres. "Boana platanera" can also live in many different habitats, including anthropic environments.