No geographic variation in the dorsal coloration is evident. Specimens from the eastern part of the range (Piedras Negras and Chinajá, Guatemala) have bold, dark reticulations on the flanks enclosing large pale blue or pale green spots, which fade to tan in preservative. Specimens from Oaxaca and Veracruz characteristically have finer dark reticulations on the flanks enclosing smaller blue spots; in many of these specimens the ventrolateral spots are smallest and are white.
All living adults are easily recognized by the presence of pale, usually blue, spots on the flanks and thighs. Individuals under cover by day have a tan dorsum with dark brown markings. A hiding individual at Chinajá, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala (KU 55936), had a pale tan dorsum when found; later the dorsal color changed to chocolate brown. A pale green patch was present below the eye; the spots on the posterior surfaces of the thighs were pale blue, and those on the flanks were yellowish green. A calling male obtained 10 kilometers north-northwest of Chinajá (KU 55934) was reddish brown when found at night; later the dorsal color changed to pale tan. A green patch below the eye was persistent. Usually these frogs are green at night. The coloration of an adult male (KU 87201) from 11 kilometers north of Vista Hermosa, Oaxaca, México, was typical: "When calling dorsum pale green; later changed to dull olive-green. Flanks dark brown with pale blue spots in axilla and groin and bluish white flecks on mid-flank. Anterior and posterior surfaces of thighs, inner surfaces of shanks, and median dorsal surfaces of tarsi dark brown with blue spots. Canthal and postorbital stripes dark chocolate brown; labial stripe creamy white. Forearm, tarsal, and anal stripes pale cream-color. Throat dark brown with yellow flecks; belly and ventral surfaces of limbs creamy buff; webs pinkish tan; iris deep bronze, brown below pupil." (Duellman, field notes, June 24, 1964.)
Some individuals have both green and brown coloration in life. An individual obtained at night on the south slope of Volcán San Martín, Veracruz, México, had a pale tan dorsum changing peripherally to pale green. The dorsal markings were dark brown and dark olive-green.