[2] As defined by Favovich et al. in 2005, the tribe Dendrosophini contains the members of three former subfamilies within the Hylidae prior to taxonomic rearrangement: Dendropsophinae, Pseudinae, and Scinaxinae.

Scarthyla is the oldest and most hylid-like of the pseudines, originating in the central Amazon basin and being restricted to the Guiana region in modern times.

Lysapsus and Pseudis diverged during the early Miocene 18.4–24.6 Mya and have since spread down to the Chaco region that is drier and less suited for most tree frogs.

This is evident in how the intercalary elements, which are the spaces in between a frog's digits, have become ossified in order to strengthen them and help them swim in the water more efficiently.

[1] In the wild they are preyed on by a variety of animals, including aquatic insects, spiders, and birds such as the buff-necked ibis and large-billed tern.