Phytotriades is a genus of tree frogs in the family Hylidae.[3][4] As currently delimited, the genus is monotypic and contains Phytotriades auratus,[3] commonly known as the golden tree frog,[2][5] bromeliad-dwelling treefrog,[6] El Tucuche golden tree frog, or Trinidad heart-tongued frog.[7]
Phytotriades was separated from the genus Phyllodytes based primarily on genetic evidence;[2][7] this also solved the unusual, disjunct distribution of the genus (the remaining Phyllodytes are endemic to eastern Brazil).[2] Nevertheless, the contents of the genus remain to be elucidated. Earlier on, also Phyllodytes wuchereri was included in the "Phyllodytes auratus group", but the position of this species has not been addressed. At the moment, it is not clear which Phyllodytes species might eventually end up in this genus.[3]
Phytotriades auratus is known from the summits of El Cerro del Aripo and El Tucuche, the two highest peaks in Trinidad, as well as from Cerro Humo on the Paria Peninsula, Venezuela, on the adjacent mainland.[5][7] There is circumstantial evidence suggesting that the species might also occur (or have occurred) on the Isla Margarita.[5]
Males grow to 29 mm (1.1 in) and females to 35 mm (1.4 in) in snout–vent length. They have serrated teeth and sharp "fangs", larger in males than in females, on their mandibles. The dorsum is chocolate brown in colour and has two iridescent, golden yellow stripes.[9]
Males are territorial and can use their fangs in combat.[9] Males are not known to call (this feature separates Phytotriades from Phyllodytes). Fecundity is probably low, with maximally 5–6 tadpoles found in a single bromeliad tank. The tadpoles hatch at a length of 14 mm (0.55 in) and grow to 40 mm (1.6 in).[2]
On Trinidad, the species occurs in montane rainforest and elfin woodland at around 940 m (3,080 ft) above sea level.[1] On Cerro Humo, the species was found in the elfin forest near the summit of the mountain (1,250 m (4,100 ft)). Phytotriades auratus is closely associated with the giant bromeliad Glomeropitcairnia erectiflora; also the tadpoles develop in these bromeliads.[1][5]