Adult: Species description based on Savage (2002). A large treefrog (males to 54 mm, females to 64 mm). Dorsal: The dorsum may be one of many shades of brown, more yellowish, greenish, greyish, or reddish. Darker blotches are often present. The sides are mottled brown and cream. In some individuals, the cream of the flanks appears more green or blue. The arms and legs are barred. The skin of the dorsum is smooth. Ventral: The ventral surface is white. Concealed surfaces: The rear surfaces of the thighs are dark with white or light or bold blue flecking or irregular spots. Eye: Eye color varies, but black reticulations are always present. The eyes may be more silver, golden or bronze.
Breeding season: Breeding occurs during the dry season when streams are low (Savage 2002). Males call from rocks in streams (Savage 2002). Large numbers of females appear at streams after heavy rains (Savage 2002). Egg: Eggs are deposited in clumps of 20-50 eggs in shallow pools (James 1944). They are laid singly, but adhere together after oviposition (James 1944). Tadpole: Tadpoles are oval-shaped with a moderately long tail with moderate tail fins (Savage 2002). Tadpoles are pale in coloration (Savage 2002). A pattern of alternating light and reddish brown spots occurs along the upper part of the tail musculature (Savage 2002).
Habitat: Lowland and premontane forest to 1525 m. Ecology: Smilisca sordida is typically encountered near streams, but may also be found hiding in bromeliads by day (Savage 2002). Call: A series of "wrinks" repeated up to six times (Savage 2002). The vocal sac is paired, but does not extend very far from the body when inflated (Savage 2002). Type locality: Veragua (Panama)