![]() ![]() gracilis minor, divided dermal scutes on the dorsal surfaces of fingers, cephalic amplexus (amplexus is entirely lacking in some species), and the transport of aquatic larvae on the dorsum of the parent.Īlmost all dendrobatids are diurnal. Additional possible synapomorphies include the tendon of the semitendinosus piercing the m. Synapomorphies of this family include the presence of a retroarticular process of the mandible, and the arrangement of the superficial slip of the m. Dendrobatids are small (20-40 mm snout-vent length, though the putative basal species, the nocturnal Aromobates, attains lengths of 62 mm). The only other anuran group exhibiting both bright colors and lipophilic alkaloids are the unrelated Mantellas ( Rhacophoridae). Although the large genus Colostethus is drab-colored and non-toxic, the derived "aposematically colored dendrobatids" (members of the genera Dendrobates, Phyllobates, and their kin) have skin toxins comprised of lipophilic alkaloids, some of which can easily kill a human if ingested. ![]() Distribution is restricted to humid tropical America, from Nicaragua to Brazil, with the greatest diversity in northwestern South America.ĭendrobatids are the most brightly colored of any anuran group. There are from four to seven genera in this family, and less than 200 species. Several representatives of this family of small, diurnal frogs are famous for their bright skin coloration and associated toxins. ![]()
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