We describe a new species of Hyla from southern Ecuador that is diagnosed by the absence of an omosternum; the presence of an enlarged, curved, and pointed prepollex in males; features of coloration; and an associated suite of presumed anti-predator behaviors. Upon capture, frogs exuded a white, sticky fluid; continued perturbation elicited a defensive posture in which white patches on the posterior sides of the limbs and the vent were displayed. The phylogenetic relationships of H. tapichalaca with respect to the H. armata, H. larinopygion, and H. pulchella groups are discussed.