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Description
Powdered Glass Frog
Scientific Name: Teratohyla pulverata
Common Name: Powdered Glass Frog
Species Overview
Size: Adults typically reach 1 to 1.25 inches (2.5 to 3 cm), with females slightly larger.
Appearance: The Powdered Glass Frog is a delicate, translucent species with a pale green dorsum dusted with fine white or yellow speckles, giving it a “powdered” appearance. The ventral surface is partially transparent, showing internal organs typical of glass frogs. Limbs are slender and semi-translucent with small rounded toe pads. Eyes are large and silvery with horizontal pupils, enhancing its ethereal look when perched on leaves.
Distribution: Found in Central and northern South America, including Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador.
Habitat: This species inhabits humid lowland and foothill rainforests, especially along clear, slow-moving streams. Adults rest on leaves overhanging water, relying on stable humidity and clean, flowing stream ecosystems for breeding.
Behaviour: Nocturnal and shy, Powdered Glass Frogs remain motionless during the day, blending seamlessly with leaves. Males call softly from vegetation above streams, guarding egg clusters laid on leaves. They are sensitive to environmental changes and require stable, cool, humid conditions.
Captive Care
Enclosure: A single adult or small group thrives in a 12 × 12 × 18 inches (30 × 30 × 45 cm) enclosure, while larger groups benefit from an 18 × 18 × 24 inches (45 × 45 × 60 cm) setup. Provide abundant broad leaves, thin branches, and elevated perches close to water features. Use a moisture-retentive substrate such as coco fibre, soil blends, or sphagnum to maintain high humidity. Include a shallow water basin or gentle flowing-water feature to replicate streamside conditions.
Temperature and Humidity:
Ambient temperature: 72 to 76°F (22 to 24°C)
Warm area: up to 78°F (25.5°C)
Night temperature: 68 to 72°F (20 to 22°C)
Humidity: 80 to 100%, maintained through frequent misting and moisture-retentive décor.
Lighting: Provide low UVB (around 2%) with soft, diffused lighting. Avoid bright or harsh lighting.
Diet: Offer tiny insects such as fruit flies, springtails, pinhead crickets, very small roaches, and isopods. Supplement prey with calcium and multivitamins.
Behaviour in Captivity: Powdered Glass Frogs thrive in cool, humid, densely planted terrariums with strong leaf cover. They are secretive and become active at night. Handling should be strictly avoided due to their delicate skin and moisture requirements.
Special Considerations:
• If handling is unavoidable, use wet, powder-free gloves or a soft, damp net.
• Maintain high humidity with strong airflow—avoid stagnant, wet air.
• Provide broad leaves above water to mimic natural calling and egg-laying sites.
• Keep temperatures on the cooler end; overheating is a major risk.
• Use only clean, dechlorinated or RO water for misting and hydration.
• Ensure all enclosure gaps are sealed—this species is small and can escape easily.
Taxonomy Note
Teratohyla pulverata is a member of the family Centrolenidae, a group characterised by transparent ventral surfaces, delicate frames, and reproductive ties to flowing water. It is distinguishable from similar glass frogs by its fine “powdered” dorsal markings.
Genetics Note
There are no recognised morphs for Teratohyla pulverata. Natural variation appears in speckling density, dorsal hue, and translucency, but none represent defined genetic morphs.