Andinobates fulguritus (Silverstone, 1975)

Size

Andinobates fulguritus (Silverstone, 1975) measures between 13.5–15 mm (0.53–0.59 in) in snout–vent length for males, and between 14–16.5 mm (0.55–0.65 in) for females.

Dorsal Coloration

Its dorsum is black, marked with gold, yellow, or yellow-green dorso-lateral and lateral stripes; only the dorso-lateral stripes are complete. There is an incomplete median stripe on the anterior section of the dorsum.

Ventral Coloration

The venter is gold or yellow, with black marbling or spots.

Skin Texture

Dorsal skin is slightly granular, while ventral skin is moderately granular.

Tympanum Characteristics

The tympanum is round, with its postero-dorsal portion concealed.

Iris Color

The iris is black.

Limb Morphology

Neither fingers nor toes have fringes or webbing.

Natural Habitat

This species’ natural habitats are tropical moist lowland forests.

Elevation Range

In Colombia, it occurs at elevations ranging from 160–900 m (520–2,950 ft) above sea level; populations in Panama may occur at higher elevations.

Species Abundance

It is a locally common, terrestrial frog.

Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List classifies this species as Least Concern for extinction.

Threats

It faces threats from habitat loss, caused by deforestation for human settlement, logging, and illegal farming, as well as pollution from pesticide and fertilizer spraying on illegal crops. There is no evidence this species is collected for the pet trade.

Protected Range

Its range includes several protected areas, including but not limited to Parque Nacional Chagres and Area de Manejo Especial Nusagandi.

Reproduction Site Selection

For reproduction, the male identifies a suitable site for egg deposition and leads the female to this site.

Egg Laying Process

The male deposits sperm first, after which the female lays her eggs on top of the sperm. Eggs are deposited in leaf litter.

Egg Care

The male returns to check on the eggs periodically.

Tadpole Development

Once the eggs hatch, an adult frog carries the tadpoles to leaf axils, most commonly bromeliads, where the tadpoles finish their development with no additional parental care.