CENTRAL / SOUTH AMERICAN POISONOUS FROGS

Epipedobates bassleri

Family: Dendrobatidae Genus: Epipedobates Species: bassleri Common Names Pleasing Poison-Arrow Frog , Pleasing Poison Frog Countries Peru
	Species Distribution Map

Taxonomy and Biology

Adult length: 33mm

Description

Colour and pattern is quite variable in this species. In particular the amount of black pigment tends to decrease with age resulting in reduced pattern characteristics. Head dorsum and dorsal surface body colour usually varies from lemon yellow to bright orange ( occasionally greenish yellow ) with scattered, irregular, black spotting( remnant spotting from broad longitudinal band present in juveniles ) and a broad, duller or more yellowish dorsolateral stripe. The black spotting is usually most prominent on the dorsolateral surfaces of the posterior body where they may appear as stripes with some scattered black spotting between them. Flanks are black. A whitish to yellow stripe commences on the upper lip, passes beneath the eye and extends onto the upper surface of the arm. Arms and legs are otherwise yellowish to orange, with or without a greenish tint and dotted, spotted or mottled with black. Head venter and throat is mainly black with scattered blue mottling. Ventral body surface is variably mottled with blue and black.

Habitat

Tropical wet forest up to an elevation of about 1150 metres.

Habits

Diurnal and terrestrial frog

Prey

Feeds mainly on ants and other small insects.

Poison Activity

Poison Type: No information available