Rheobates palmatus (Werner, 1899)

Adult Morphology

Rheobates palmatus has cryptic brown or gray dorsal coloration, a posteriorly granular skin texture, extensive toe webbing, and a notably large body size.

Tadpole Morphology

Its tadpoles are also large, uniformly colored, and lack any markings.

Geographic Range

This species is endemic to the Colombian Andes, occurring on both slopes of the Cordillera Oriental and the eastern slope of the Cordillera Central range, at elevations between 350 and 2,200 metres (1,150 to 7,220 ft) above sea level.

Elevation Limit

It has never been recorded above 2,500 metres (8,200 ft), so the two populations on the separate slopes of the Cordillera Oriental are separated by a continuous high-altitude ridge, resulting in three distinct isolated populations.

Mating Vocalizations

Male mating vocalizations differ between these distinct populations.

Primary Habitat

Rheobates palmatus is a terrestrial species that inhabits rainforests and cloud forests.

Modified Habitat Tolerance

In the Rio Magdalena Valley, it can also be found in pasture land, cultivated areas, and even polluted streams.

Protected Range

This species has only been observed in one protected area: Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de Los Yariguíes.