Adult: Species description based on Ibanez et al (1999). A medium-sized, toad-like frog (males to 49 mm, females to 51 mm). The throat of males is greenish-grey (white in females). Dorsal: The dorsal surface is green or light brown, with yellow undertones. The dorsum often has large dark brown blotches. The upper surfaces of the thighs have some irregular yellow spots. The skin of the dorsum is smooth. Ventral: The ventral surface is white. Concealed surfaces: The armpit, groin, and innner and rear surfaces of the thighs are bright orange. The backs of the thighs also have some black spots. Distinguishing characteristics: A prominent gland is present on either side of the body, just above the groin. The gland is bluish, purple or black with any number of pale blue spots. Eye: The upper portion of the iris is gold, the lower portion more bronzy. The iris has extensive black reticulations.
Breeding season: Pleurodema brachyops breeds throughout the rainy season (Ibanez et al 1999). Males call from small, shallow, impermanent bodies of water (Ibanez et al 1999). Egg: Eggs are deposited in foam nests (Ibanez et al 1999).
Habitat: Frequently encountered in open, grassy areas up to 500 m. Call: A low, pitched snore-like note (Ibanez et al 1999). Behavior and communication: Pleurodema brachyops has interesting antipredator behavior. When disturbed, individuals will inflate their bodies and straighten their hindlimbs, exposing the purple glands and orange coloration on the legs (Martins, 1989). Type locality: Magdalena River, New Grenada (Colombia)