The dorsum in living frogs of the genus _Ptychohyla_ is primarily
yellowish or reddish brown, except in _P. schmidtorum chamulae_ and
_P. ignicolor_ in which it is green. Usually there are some darker
blotches or reticulations on the dorsum. The venter usually is white;
in _P. ignicolor_ it is yellow. The venter is spotted in all members
of the _Ptychohyla euthysanota_ group; the species, arranged from
least to most spotting ventrally, are: _P. euthysanota euthysanota_,
_P. euthysanota macrotympanum_, _P. leonhardschultzei_, and _P.
spinipollex_. The last two species also have bold dark spots on the
flanks. _Ptychohyla schmidtorum_ lacks spots on the venter, whereas
_P. ignicolor_ has small dark flecks ventrally.
_Ptychohyla euthysanota_ and _P. schmidtorum_ have white stripes on
the upper lips and on the flanks. All species have some form of a pale
stripe above the anus and usually rather distinct white or pale
stripes along the ventrolateral edges of the tarsi and forearms. There
are no bright or boldly marked flash-colors (colors that are revealed
only when the hind limbs are extended), except in _P. ignicolor_,
which has bright red flash-colors in the groin and on the thighs. In
life the iris varies from several different shades of bronze color to
deep red in _P. schmidtorum schmidtorum_.
The degree of metachrosis is moderate. Usually any change of color in
life consists only of change in the intensity of color. At times when
the over-all coloration is darkened some markings are obscured.