Dendrobates leucomelas
| Dendrobates leucomelas | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Dendrobatidae |
| Genus: | Dendrobates |
| Species: | leucomelas |
| Binomial name | |
| Dendrobates leucomelas | |
| (Steindachner, 1864) | |
Also known as "Leucs", "Bumblebee Poison Dart Frogs", "Yellow-headed Poison Frogs", and "Yellow-banded Dart Frogs", Dendrobates leucomelas is a diurnal, semi-arboreal species endemic to the northern-most region of Brazil, as well as Colombia, Guyana, and Venezuela.
Its species name combines "leuco-" (meaning "white") with "-melas" (meaning black or dark). This misnomer is rumored to have resulted from the white and black appearance of museum specimens which lost their yellow pigmentation when preserved in alcohol, though may also simply refer to the typical pattern of alternating yellow and black bands.
The IUCN classifies Dendrobates leucomelas as Least Concern (LC). Wild populations have a wide distribution and are considered stable. The species is also notably tolerant of habitat modification.[1]
Description[edit | edit source]
Adults typically reach 1.22 - 1.50 inches (31-38 mm) in size. Adult frogs are black with three yellow crossbands which may appear in hues of bright yellow, yellow-orange, or orange. Black spots and blotches are often distributed throughout their back and limbs. Tadpoles are long and entirely black. Dendrobates leucomelas are the only Dendrobatid that is known to estivate. [2]
Locales[edit | edit source]
- "Nominant-Standard" / "Nominant" / "Standard"
- "Banded"
- Cerro Autana "Blue foot"
- "Fine Spot"
- "Clown"
.png)
Geographical Distribution[edit | edit source]
This species occurs in tropical forests and wetlands from the Guianan Orinoco drainage of Venezuela north to the Río Orinoco (in Bolívar, Amazonas and Delta Amacuro States), east into Guyana to the Essequibo River, south into extreme northern Brazil (Roraima State), and west into eastern Amazonian Colombia. It possibly also occurs in Amazonas State, Brazil. It has been recorded from sea level up to 1,600 feet (500 m) above sea level.[2]
Reproduction[edit | edit source]
Male D. leucomelas will call near a laying site to attract a female. Eggs are deposited on moist, terrestrial sites (like damp leaf litter) and guarded by the male, who rotates them to maintain oxygen levels until they hatch. At that time, the tadpoles are carried on the father's back to small pools of water where they continue development.[2]
Diet[edit | edit source]
D. leucomelas have been observed eating ants and termites on plants, forest floor, and rock walls.
Calls[edit | edit source]
Male D. leucomelas will establish calling sites and emit a "chirp, buzz, trill, and hum" to get female's attention.[4]
Conservation[edit | edit source]
D. leucomelas wild distribution is widespread. The species is numerous in captivity and is readily available in the pet trade.
Threats[edit | edit source]
- Agriculture
- Aquaculture
- Logging & wood harvesting
- Collection for use in pet trade
- Wildfires
- ↑ IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group. 2023. Dendrobates leucomelas. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2023: e.T55191A61395501. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2023-1.RLTS.T55191A61395501.en. Accessed May 6, 2024.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 AmphibiaWeb 2022 Dendrobates leucomelas: Yellow-headed Poison Frog https://amphibiaweb.org/species/1638 University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA. Accessed May 6, 2024.
- ↑ IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) 2021. Dendrobates leucomelas. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
- ↑ Walls, J. G. (1994). Jewels of the Rainforest: Poison Frogs of the Family Dendrobatidae. J.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, New Jersey.