CENTRAL / SOUTH AMERICAN POISONOUS FROGS

Epipedobates macero

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

Taxonomy and Biology

Adult length: 24mm

Description

Head dorsum and anterior two-thirds of the dorsal surface body colour is black with bright red granules resulting in a bright red appearance. Posterior dorsal surface is black with bright blue or bluish green granules. Flanks are black with a bright yellow ( incomplete ) stripe commencing posterior to the eye toward the upper flank ( usually adjacent to the arm ) and extending posteriorly to the groin and a bright yellow stripe commencing near the nostril and extending to the insertion of the arm. Arms and legs are blackish brown to black above with small blue spots or flecking. Head venter, throat, ventral body surface and underside of arms and legs are marbled bright blue and black.

Habitat

Moist rainforest with a distinct dry season.

Habits

Diurnal and terrestrial frog that inhabits the forest floor leaf litter during the wet months and found near streams during the dry season.

Prey

Feeds mainly on ants and beetles.

Poison Activity

Poison Type: Histrionicotoxins, Decahydroquinolines, Pyrrolizidines, Pyrrolizidine Oximes