Cloud Forest Treefrog vs Common Fieldcap

Megastomatohyla nubicola compared with Agrocybe pediades

Key Differences

  • Cloud Forest Treefrog is Critically Endangered while Common Fieldcap is Least Concern.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank Cloud Forest Treefrog Common Fieldcap
Kingdom Animalia (Animals) Fungi (Fungi)
Phylum Chordata (Chordates) Basidiomycota (Club Fungi)
Class Amphibia (Amphibians) Agaricomycetes (Mushrooms)
Order Anura (Frogs & Toads) Agaricales (Gilled Mushrooms)
Family Hylidae Strophariaceae
Genus Megastomatohyla Agrocybe
Species Megastomatohyla nubicola Agrocybe pediades

Conservation Status

Cloud Forest Treefrog

CR — Critically Endangered

Common Fieldcap

LC — Least Concern

Physical Characteristics

Attribute Cloud Forest Treefrog Common Fieldcap
Diet — —
Average Lifespan — —
Average Length — —
Average Weight — —

Habitat & Geographic Range

Cloud Forest Treefrog

Habitat

Found across multiple habitat types including tropical and subtropical coniferous forests, tropical and subtropical grasslands and savannas, and Mediterranean forests and woodlands, among 6 distinct biome types spanning the Nearctic and Neotropic realms. Populations are also found in montane and highland environments at higher elevations.

Range

Found in Mexico. Currently classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

Common Fieldcap

Habitat

Typically found in forest floors, decomposing wood, and soil ecosystems.

Range

Found across Europe (5 countries) and North America (United States).

Cloud Forest Treefrog

Cloud forest treefrogs in the genus Megastomatohyla (family Hylidae) are medium to large arboreal frogs native to the montane cloud forests of Mexico and Guatemala, inhabiting humid highland forests at elevations between 1,500 and 2,800 meters. These treefrogs have large adhesive toe pads, long limbs adapted for climbing, and typically green or brown coloration with cryptic patterns matching lichen-covered bark and leaves. They breed in temporary and permanent pools in forest clearings and at stream margins, with males calling from vegetation over water on rainy nights. Larvae develop in small forest pools. The genus Megastomatohyla was separated from the large genus Hyla based on molecular and morphological studies distinguishing Middle American cloud forest specialists from their lowland relatives. Several species in this genus have experienced significant population declines attributed to chytridiomycosis in combination with habitat loss, and some are now considered Critically Endangered or Endangered. The montane cloud forests of Mexico and Guatemala harbor exceptional amphibian diversity but face deforestation pressures from agricultural expansion, charcoal production, and illegal logging that continue to reduce amphibian habitat area.

Common Fieldcap

The Common Fieldcap (<em>Agrocybe pediades</em>) is a saprotrophic fungus belonging to the genus Agrocybe within the family Strophariaceae. It typically produces small, tan to pale brown cap-shaped fruiting bodies and is often found growing in clusters or scattered on lawns, grassy areas, forest floors, decomposing wood, and soil-rich ecosystems. The species typically inhabits forest floors, decomposing wood, and soil ecosystems, obtaining nutrients by breaking down dead organic matter. Its geographic range includes several European countries — Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden — as well as the United States in North America. <em>Agrocybe pediades</em> is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, reflecting its broad distribution and apparent stability. Biological traits of this species, including specific data on fruiting body size, lifespan, and ecological preferences, remain poorly documented in the scientific literature. Like other members of its genus, it typically fruits during warmer months and often appears after rainfall in nutrient-rich grassland and woodland habitats.

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