Descriptions of New Hylid Frogs From Mexico and Central America

A sweeping trek through the mist‑shrouded highlands of Mexico and Central America reveals a world of tiny, vividly colored tree frogs that have long eluded scientists. While low‑land species have been catalogued for decades, the remote cloud forests still hide dozens of distinct lineages, each adapted to a narrow strip of altitude and habitat. Recent decades have seen a burst of discovery, with nearly twenty new hylid frogs added to the record, underscoring the region’s remarkable evolutionary tinkering.

In the spring and summer of 1966 the author ventured deep into these rugged landscapes, collecting specimens and data to untangle lingering taxonomic knots. The effort yielded five previously unknown species and one new subspecies, each described with precise measurements, distinctive color patterns, and keen observations of their ecological niches. Accompanied by detailed illustrations, the work offers listeners a vivid portrait of these elusive amphibians and a glimpse into the painstaking fieldwork that brings new life to science.