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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: Marbled Tree Frog

Synonyms and Other Names: Hyla marmorata, Marbled Tree Frog, Marmorea Frog, South American Bird Poop Frog, Ranita Marmorea

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Brownish gray to gray, with variable markings resembling lichen or bird poop and with the posterior part of the body being lighter colored than the anterior. The underside is yellow with dark markings. All digits are webbed, with large round toe pads and a fringe of skin along the arms and legs. The pupils are horizontal ellipses (Bartlett and Bartlett, 2003).

The call of D. marmoratus is a low-pitched trill from vegetation around the margins of temporary ponds (Bartlett and Bartlett, 2003).

Size: Females can reach a snout-vent length (SVL) or 5.5 cm with male SVL reaching 4.5 cm (Bartlett and Bartlett, 2003).

Native Range: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela (Amphibiaweb.com)

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Ecology: Dendropsophus marmoratus are arboreal in primary and secondary forests, except during breeding season when they can be found in low-lying vegetation around temporary water bodies where females can lay up to 1200 eggs (Bartlett and Bartlett, 2003).

Means of Introduction: Escaped from the facility of an exotic animal importer (Rochford et al., 2011).

Status: Failed

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. Research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

References: (click for full references)

AmphibiaWeb. 2025. < https://amphibiaweb.org/cgi/amphib_query?where-genus=Dendropsophus&where-species=marmoratus > University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA. Accessed 24 Jan 2025.

Bartlett, R.D. and P. Bartlett. 2003. Reptiles and amphibians of the Amazon. University Press of Florida.

Rochford, M.R., K.L. Krysko, and K.P. Wray. 2011. The marbled treefrog (Dendropsophus marmoratus [Laurenti 1768]) (Hylidae), another introduced amphibian species in Florida. IRCF Reptiles & Amphibians 18(4):248.

Other Resources:
https://amphibiansoftheworld.amnh.org/Amphibia/Anura/Hylidae/Hylinae/Dendropsophus/Dendropsophus-marmoratus

https://amphibiaweb.org/cgi/amphib_query?where-genus=Dendropsophus&where-species=marmoratus

Author: J. Freedman

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.