Boana prasina is a species of frog in the family Hylidae. It is endemic to southeastern Brazil and is observed in many Brazilian states: Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo, and possibly further south. The common name of Boana prasina is Burmeister's treefrog.
Boana prasina occurs in forested habitats, grasslands, and pastureland at elevations of 800–1,400 m (2,600–4,600 ft) above sea level. These frogs are usually found on vegetation near ponds, pools, and lakes. B. prasina breeding takes place in permanent pools and small streams. The egg clutches of B. prasina are attached to vegetation in the water.
Boana prasina is a common species, although certain populations seem to have disappeared. The species is threatened by water pollution and habitat loss caused by fire. It is present in several protected areas.
It was recently discovered that the odor secretions by B. prasina vary based on sex. This observation is interesting because the secretion by either sex are from the same source: mutualism with the bacteria Pseudomonas. Pseudomonas has evolved to produce different levels of particular volatile compounds based on the sex of its host, and it is possible it also plays a role in sex variation during early stages.
Hypsiboas prasinus is also used to refer to this frog.
