About Adelphobates galactonotus (Steindachner, 1864)
Size
This is a relatively large poison dart frog that reaches a maximum snout-vent length of 42 mm (1.7 in).
Coloration Variability
The most well-known variants of this species are black on their ventral side and yellow, orange, or red on their dorsal side, but the species' coloration is extremely variable.
Color Morphs
Some morphs have whitish-mint or light blue upperparts, some have a mottled or spotted dorsal pattern, and some are almost entirely whitish (popularly called "moonshine" among captive frog keepers), yellow-orange, or black.
Morph Taxonomy Testing
It was once speculated that some of these morphs were separate species, but genetic testing found almost no genetic difference between them, even for a distinctive yellow-and-black netted variant from Cristalino State Park.
Morph Distribution
Additionally, the morphs do not have clear geographically separated distributions, which would be expected if they were separate species.
Research Use
This species has often been used as an example by scientists studying the origins of bright coloration in poisonous frogs.
Aposematism Hypothesis
A long-standing hypothesis holds that bright coloration is aposematic, acting as a warning to predators that the frog is toxic if eaten.
Poison Profile Comparison
However, studies of this species have found that two of its highly visually distinct color morphs share largely identical poison profiles.
Color Variation Drivers
These researchers suggest that the species' color variation is more likely tied to conspecific recognition and sexual selection than to predator deterrence.
Natural Habitat
The natural habitats of Adelphobates galactonotus are tropical moist lowland forests, and it has been observed at elevations up to 600 meters above sea level.
Habitat Preference
It appears to prefer forest habitats with a high abundance of Brazil nut trees.
Oviposition
The species lays its eggs on the ground.
Tadpole Transport
After the eggs hatch, adult frogs carry the tadpoles to water; scientists hypothesize this frequently includes water that has collected inside Brazil nut husks.
Range Protection Status
The frog's known range covers many protected areas.
