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Published: 2023-07-12 17:26:47 +0000 UTC; Views: 2774; Favourites: 36; Downloads: 2
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Description
As the last post(batrachiterra.blogspot.com/202… ) had two images i split the descriptions accordingly.The new dendrobates(Dendrobates spp.)
Dendrobates spp. is a genus of small frogs native to the Amazon rainforest well known for having their potent poison being used by indigenous people in their blowdarts, which has led to this genus being commonly called as Poison dart frogs. They get their characteristic poison from the invertebrates they consume, what exactly is unknown but it is suggested that some mites and other invertebrates. This selective feeding of only these toxic animals is, added to their diminute size a problem that this genus encountered when adaptive radiating into new species. Yet they suceeded and here are some of the new species from this genus.
Leaf poison dart frogs(D. saltatorius)
The first species we take a look at is known as Leaf poison dart frogs, this is due to their green coloration that somewhat resembles a leaf. They have pactically doubled in size compared to their ancestral species, D. auratus which had an average of between 2-3 centimeters in Snout-to-vent lenght. This comparatively larger size is due to both the great lack of predators and for better locomotion, as their small size grants small jumps, which are not great in an arboreal environment that demands changing from tree to tree in order to reach new hunting grounds. Eggs of this species are laid inside of small water pools formed in the "cups" of bromeliads, where the tadpoles will feed on algae and mosquito larvae, plus any other small animal that may find itself in the pools.
Dead leaf poison dart frog(D. terrestris)
In the same way the Leaf poison dart frog is inconspicuous when sitting on leafs the Dead leaf poison dart frog becomes camouflaged among dead leafs in the ground. They are the descendants of D. leucomelas that-as all other new dendrobatids- doubled in size due to relative lack of predators. These brown-colored frogs live in social groups-which is quite unusual for frogs. Such armies are comprised of 6-10 individuals and will fight with other armies over territory. This species can be found on the monsoon forests that are the frontier between rainforest and savanna, in such locations the frogs aestivate to avoid the summer heat.
Common poison dart frog(D. vulgaris)
Both D. terrestris and D. vulgaris are found primarily on the ground, with the latter being less widespread compared to the former even though it receives the name of Common poison dart frog. This species is one of the least changed, both behaviorially and physically, with the most noticeable change being their size.
Water poison dart frog(D. hydricus)
The last frog species we will see today. Descendant from the subspecies D. tinctorius azureus they sport generally a blue coloration used in camouflage underwater as they are the only semi-aquatic species of the genus. They show Countershading, having a dark blue on their backs and lighter tones on the belly and limbs. These Poison dart frogs are the least toxic as they dont feed so much on their previous prey, now foraging underwater and near the water's edge. Curiously this species has tadpoles that can endure slightly brackish waters, and larvae populations that live near the ocean display the behaviour of swimming downstream into brackish waters when evading predators. Though the larvae can resist salt levels in the water of up to 1225 ppm(parts per million) the adults cannot outstand that much salt around them.
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thejurrasicdrawer [2024-06-19 16:54:57 +0000 UTC]
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TheSirenLord [2023-07-12 17:59:06 +0000 UTC]
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