Splash-back poison frog
A species of Ranitomeya Scientific name : Ranitomeya variabilis Genus : Ranitomeya
Splash-back poison frog, A species of Ranitomeya
Scientific name: Ranitomeya variabilis
Genus: Ranitomeya
Content
Description General Info
Description
The splash-back poison frog (Ranitomeya variabilis), also referred to as the variable poison frog or Zimmermann's poison frog, is a small species of poison dart frog known from the upper Huallaga River drainage of San MartÃn Region, Peru. It is semi-arboreal, living in the forest understory and canopy. Like other poison frogs, it contains alkaloid poisons. The mimic poison frog is a Müllerian mimic of this species.
General Info
Lifespan
5-10 years
Diet
Splash-back poison frog primarily feed on tiny arthropods, with a preference for small insects like fruit flies. The specific dietary choices are attributed to their small size and arboreal lifestyle.
Appearance
Splash-back poison frog is a small, slim frog with smooth skin. Its basic color is black, but the body features patterns of either brilliant sapphire-blue or gold, varying greatly among individuals. This frog bears noticeable discs at the end of fingers and toes, assisting efficient movement on slippery surfaces. A striking characteristic is their bright, copper-orange eyes.
Behavior
Splash-back poison frog exhibits an intriguing arboreal lifestyle, largely spending its existence in leaf-litter and on plants. This species, primarily solitary, communicates via vocalizations, body color changes, and territorial posturing. Moreover, it exhibits maternal care, with females transporting tadpoles to bromeliad pools. On the survival front, splash-back poison frog's vibrant coloration acts both as a warning to predators and a camouflage amidst flowering plants.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Frogs and toads Family
Poison dart frog Genus
Ranitomeya Species
Splash-back poison frog