# Atelopus balios

The Atelopus balios, also known as the Balio's Frog, is a colorful little frog found in the forests. It has bright colors that help it stand out in its leafy home.

- **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian)
- **Rarity:** Rare
- **Danger:** 2/5 · Low
- **Habitat:** Forests

![Atelopus balios](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Atelopus_balios.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Jony Cooper, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Atelopus_balios.jpg)

## Appearance

The Atelopus balios is a small, vibrant frog with rough, warty skin. It typically has a striking pattern of bright yellow, orange, or red blotches on a dark brown to black background. Its slender body and distinctive coloring make it stand out.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Amphibia
- **Order:** Anura
- **Family:** Bufonidae
- **Genus:** Atelopus

## Interesting facts

- Its scientific name "balios" means "spotted" in Greek, describing its look.
- Its skin contains powerful toxins, a strong defense against predators.
- Thought extinct for years, a small population was recently rediscovered!
- Unlike most frogs, this species is active during the day, not night.

## Special abilities

- **Stream Adaptations:** Atelopus balios tadpoles have a special suction cup on their belly that helps them cling to rocks in fast-flowing streams.
- **Warning Colors:** Atelopus balios has bright, contrasting colors that serve as a visual warning to predators that it is toxic.

## Measurements & details

- **Length:** 3-5 cm
- **Weight:** 0.003-0.008 kg
- **Lifespan:** 3-7 years
- **Speed:** 0.5 km/h
- **Clutch Size:** 200-500
- **Metamorphosis:** 60-120 days

## Diet & Feeding

This small frog munches on tiny insects and other small invertebrates it finds on the forest floor.

- **Age differences:** Tadpoles graze on algae and detritus, adults hunt insects.
- **Primary Foods:** Ants, Mites, Beetles, Springtails, Small spiders
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Eaten by:** Jaeger's False Coral Snake (*Erythrolamprus jaegeri*) — Some snakes can tolerate the frog's toxins.
- **Eats:** Leaf-cutting Ant (*Acromyrmex coronatus*) — A common ant species found in its forest habitat.
- **Eats:** Green Springtail (*Isotoma viridis*) — A small, common arthropod often found in humid environments.

## Traits

- [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
- [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
- [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
- [Endangered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/endangered): Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.

## Collections

- [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians)

## Safety

**Danger:** 2/5 · Low

Always wash your hands after touching frogs, as they can have special skin that might not be safe.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Atelopus balios?

Check the toe pads, leg length, eye markings, back pattern and body shape. Don't lean on color: some frogs change shade to match their surroundings. Frog Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How long is Atelopus balios?

3-5 cm

### How much does Atelopus balios weigh?

0.003-0.008 kg

### How long does Atelopus balios live?

3-7 years

### How fast can Atelopus balios move?

0.5 km/h

### What does Atelopus balios eat?

This small frog munches on tiny insects and other small invertebrates it finds on the forest floor.

### Where is Atelopus balios usually found?

Forests

### How does Atelopus balios hunt?

Foraging

## More Amphibians

- [Eastern Red-backed Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-red-backed-salamander) (*Plethodon cinereus*)
- [California Slender Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-slender-salamander) (*Batrachoseps attenuatus*)
- [Cuban Tree Frog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cuban-tree-frog) (*Osteopilus septentrionalis*)
- [European Toad](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-toad) (*Bufo bufo*)

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Source: [Atelopus balios: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/atelopus-balios)