Species Information
Scientific name: Polypedates leucomystax
Japanese name: シロアゴガエル
Chinese name: 白頷樹蛙
English name: White-lipped Tree Frog
Origin: Widely distributed in Southeast Asia, from northeastern India to the Philippines
Ecology and Description
This species has been confirmed on most islands of the Okinawa Islands, Kitadaito Island, the Sakishima Islands (including Miyakojima and Ishigaki), and Yoronjima in Kagoshima Prefecture. It is most commonly found on Okinawajima and Miyakojima. Populations once existed on Iriomote but were declared completely removed in 2019.
The white-lipped tree frog was first discovered on Okinawajima in 1964, and Miyakojima recorded it for the first time in 1997. Since Okinawa was under U.S. administration from 1945 to 1972, it is speculated that individuals were accidentally introduced via U.S. military transports or escaped from captivity, subsequently spreading to many islands.
※ Designated as a “Specified Alien Species” under the Invasive Alien Species Act
※ Listed among “100 Worst Alien Species in Japan”
Taiwan also has two tree frog species from the same genus: the invasive Polypedates megacephalus and the native P. braueri. Due to early identification confusion, these two are sometimes mistakenly referred to as the white-lipped tree frog. However, based on the scientific name, “white-lipped tree frog” should specifically refer to Polypedates leucomystax, with the species epithet leucomystax stemming from the Greek leuco- (white) and mystax (upper lip), reflecting its distinctive white lip margin feature.
Reference: National Institute for Environmental Studies Invasive Species Database
https://www.nies.go.jp/biodiversity/invasive/DB/detail/40030.html
Field Photographs Taken During Our Tours, with Observation Dates
The white-lipped tree frog breeds in the summer, and during our 【Herping】 tours from May to October, there is a chance to see adults or egg clutches near pools.
