New glass frog species discovered in Brazil's Cerrado

Scientists have identified a new species of glass frog, named Vitreorana micaelae, in the Cerrado savanna of Brazil. The discovery was the result of a collaborative research effort involving the Federal University of Goiás (UFG), the University of Brasília (UnB), and the Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás (PUC-GO).

Led by biologist Wilian Vaz-Silva, the team distinguished the species through morphological analysis, molecular genetics, and acoustic recordings. The Vitreorana micaelae is approximately two centimeters long and features a translucent body with distinct dorsal coloration and unique iris geometry. Notably, its reproductive calls contain fewer notes than related species.

The frog inhabits the tree canopy on steep slopes near river margins, specifically within gallery forests near tributaries of the Corumbá River in the Luziânia region of Goiás. The species exhibits specific breeding habits, vocalizing only during intense rainfall and depositing eggs on high foliage, where males guard them until tadpoles descend to nearby water bodies.