# Panamanian golden frog (*Atelopus zeteki*) The Panamanian golden frog is a bright yellow frog that is very special! It is known for its beautiful color and is found in the rainforests of Panama. This frog is a symbol of good luck in its home country. - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Rare - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Rainforests ![Panamanian golden frog](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Atelopus_zeteki1.jpg&width=800) Photo: Brian Gratwicke, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Atelopus_zeteki1.jpg) ## Appearance The Panamanian golden frog is a small, slender amphibian boasting vivid golden-yellow to orange skin, often marked with irregular black spots or blotches. Its striking color serves as a clear warning to predators, making it distinct from many duller frogs. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Anura - **Family:** Bufonidae - **Genus:** Atelopus ## Interesting facts - Panamanian golden frogs communicate by waving their hands and feet to each other! - Sadly, many scientists believe this beautiful frog is now extinct in its natural wild habitat. - They need very clean, fast-flowing mountain streams to live and lay their eggs! - This frog lays its eggs in long jelly-like strings, often attached to rocks in streams! ## Special abilities - **Golden Shield:** Panamanian golden frog has extremely toxic skin that helps them deter almost any predator. - **Silent Signal:** Panamanian golden frog can wave its hands and feet to communicate in noisy stream environments. - **Warning Glow:** Panamanian golden frog has bright, contrasting colors that warn predators of its potent toxicity. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 3.5-5.5 cm - **Weight:** 0.003-0.008 kg - **Lifespan:** 5-10 years - **Speed:** 0.5 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 200-400 - **Metamorphosis:** 28-35 days ## Diet & Feeding This tiny frog enjoys a diet of various small insects and other invertebrates. - **Age differences:** Tadpoles graze on algae and detritus; adults hunt small insects and arthropods. - **Primary Foods:** Ants, Mites, Small beetles, Flies, Springtails - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Parasitizes:** Chytrid fungus (*Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis*) — Causes a deadly skin disease, chytridiomycosis, in frogs. - **Hunts:** Forest ant (*Ectatomma ruidum*) — The frog ambushes and eats small ants on the forest floor. - **Hunts:** [Scarab beetle](https://www.snappit.app/explore/scarab-beetle) (*Cyclocephala fulgurata*) — Ambushes small beetles found among leaf litter and plants. ## Traits - [Singing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/singing): Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species. - [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. - [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. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [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 Never touch wild frogs, as they can be delicate and need to stay in their homes. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Panamanian golden frog? 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 Panamanian golden frog? 3.5-5.5 cm ### How much does Panamanian golden frog weigh? 0.003-0.008 kg ### How long does Panamanian golden frog live? 5-10 years ### How fast can Panamanian golden frog move? 0.5 km/h ### What does Panamanian golden frog eat? This tiny frog enjoys a diet of various small insects and other invertebrates. ### Where is Panamanian golden frog usually found? Rainforests ### How does Panamanian golden frog hunt? Ambush ## Where to spot - [The Maryland Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/the-maryland-zoo) — Maryland, US · Zoo ## 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: [Panamanian golden frog: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/panamanian-golden-frog)