# Atelopus pulcher The Atelopus pulcher, also known as the beautiful poison frog, is a small, colorful frog found in the rainforests. Its bright colors help warn predators that it is not safe to eat! - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Rare - **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate - **Habitat:** Rainforests and wetlands - **Also known as:** Beautiful Poison Frog, Harlequin Frog ![Atelopus pulcher](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/73030043/medium.jpg) Photo: Nature.Catcher, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/73030043) ## Appearance The Atelopus pulcher is a small, slender toad with brightly patterned skin, typically a vivid yellow, orange, or green base adorned with prominent black spots and markings. Its warty texture and striking color combinations make it easily distinguishable. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Anura - **Family:** Bufonidae - **Genus:** Atelopus ## Interesting facts - Males 'wave' their feet to attract females for mating! - These tiny toads love to live high up in cloud forests! - They are also known as the Beautiful Harlequin Toad! - They lay their eggs in strings on rocks beneath the water! ## Special abilities - **Chemical Shield:** Atelopus pulcher has highly toxic skin that helps them deter predators from even taking a bite. - **Warning Colors:** Atelopus pulcher has bright, contrasting patterns that warn predators of their poisonous nature. - **Sticky Feet:** Atelopus pulcher can cling to slippery rocks because of special pads on their fingers and toes. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 3-5 cm - **Weight:** 0.003-0.008 kg - **Lifespan:** 3-5 years - **Speed:** 0.1 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 50-200 - **Metamorphosis:** 45-90 days ## Diet & Feeding This little frog loves to snack on tiny insects and other small creepy crawlies! - **Age differences:** Tadpoles eat algae and detritus, while adults eat insects. - **Primary Foods:** Ants, Mites, Small beetles, Flies, Springtails - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Parasitizes:** Chytrid Fungus (*Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis*) — Causes a deadly skin disease, a major threat. - **Hunts:** Common Fruit Fly (*Drosophila melanogaster*) — A small, common insect often eaten by these toads. - **Hunts:** Tropical Fire Ant (*Solenopsis geminata*) — These tiny ants are a common part of the toad's diet. ## 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. - [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wetland): This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs. - [Rainforest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/rainforest): This habitat trait refers to species found in tropical rainforests, characterized by high annual rainfall, high biodiversity, and dense tree cover. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Aquatic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aquatic): Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. - [Poisonous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/poisonous): Poisonous organisms produce toxins that can cause harm when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through contact. - [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:** 3/5 · Moderate Do not touch frogs in the wild, as some can be poisonous. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Atelopus pulcher? 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 pulcher? 3-5 cm ### How much does Atelopus pulcher weigh? 0.003-0.008 kg ### How long does Atelopus pulcher live? 3-5 years ### How fast can Atelopus pulcher move? 0.1 km/h ### What does Atelopus pulcher eat? This little frog loves to snack on tiny insects and other small creepy crawlies! ### Where is Atelopus pulcher usually found? Rainforests and wetlands ### How does Atelopus pulcher 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*) --- Source: [Atelopus pulcher: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/atelopus-pulcher)