Phyllobates lugubris (Schmidt, 1857)

Size

Adult Phyllobates lugubris males measure 18.5–21 mm (0.73–0.83 in) and females 21–24 mm (0.83–0.94 in) in snout–vent length.

Dental Features

This species has maxillary teeth.

Dorsal Coloration

The dorsum is black, marked by a pair of dorsolateral stripes that are typically pale yellow, gold, or orange; these stripes run along the sides of the dorsum from near the hindlimbs to the snout.

Limb Coloration

Limbs are usually mottled with yellow to greenish yellow.

Ventral Coloration

Ventral surfaces are mottled with extensive black pigment, which often gives these surfaces an almost solid black appearance.

Toxicity

Like other related species, P. lugubris is normally toxic, but some Central American populations are not known to be toxic.

Habitat Range

Phyllobates lugubris lives in humid lowland forests, and can also marginally occur in premontane forests, at elevations ranging from 10–601 m (33–1,972 ft) above sea level.

Modified Habitat Tolerance

It can also be found in secondary growth and plantations.

Activity and Microhabitat

This is a diurnal, terrestrial species, and adult frogs are often located near rocky sections of forest streams.

General Threats

Potential threats to the species include general habitat loss and pollution.

Disease Risk

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, the chytrid fungus, has been detected in P. lugubris museum specimens, but its effect on wild natural populations remains unknown.

Collection Threat

This species sometimes appears in the pet trade, and some illegal collection for this purpose occurs.

Conservation Status

It is listed under CITES Appendix II, and is found in several existing protected areas.

Reproductive Perch Selection

For reproduction, a male P. lugubris first selects a concealed perch, such as a watery area surrounded by vegetation.

Mating Behavior

He then calls to attract a female.

Egg Laying

The female lays eggs on dry leaf litter.

Egg Care

The male cares for the eggs, protecting them from dehydration through hydric brooding.

Tadpole Development

After eggs hatch, the male carries the tadpoles on his back to streams, where the tadpoles finish their development.