

image credit: new-ecopsychology.org, Rune Midtgaard“El Pangan”
Status: Least Concern

Here’s a rainbow of Harlequin Poison Dart Frogs (Oophaga histrionica, Oophaga sylvatica – two “different” [this is debated] species) to feast your eyes on. These creatures come in a multitude of color morphs depending on the specific valley within their native region they hail from.Amazingly, the various color morphs can be found surprisingly close to one another, with different colored populations as near as adjacent hillsides! I’ve shown you some of the local names for the morphs above.
These types of frogs are known as “obligate egg-feeders.” Basically, once the mother frog gets her tadpoles into a safe little puddle of water, she lays unfertilized eggs which the baby froggies can feed on until they are ready to metamorphose and leave their temporary home.
Here’s a very nice chart which shows only SOME of the color morphs these fabulous frogs come in! (click to enlarge):
