The Metallic Poison Frog, Ranitomeya aquamarina
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Ranitomeya aquamarina – a dazzling new name for a dazzling new frog from the vanzolinii group!
Inspired by its shimmering metallic pattern, the authors propose the common name: the metallic poison frog.
This striking species is currently known only from a single location in preserved forests along the Eiru River, a tributary of the Juruá River, near the Comunidade de Santo Antônio, municipality of Eirunepé, Amazonas state, Brazil. However, based on its distinctive appearance (morphology), earlier research data, and local sightings, the authors suggest that its true range could be far wider than initially thought!
These agile frogs were found climbing on water-holding forest plants and on Phenakospermum trees (relatives of the well-known Strelitzias), reaching heights of up to three metres above the ground. They are described as vertical climbers, active during the morning and afternoon, and remarkably nimble.
With the addition of Ranitomeya aquamarina, the vanzolinii group now proudly consists of R. vanzolinii, R. flavovittata, and R. aquamarina – a marvellous enrichment for science and herpetology!
Discover the full scientific description here: https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/146533/
Photo credits:
Copyright © 2025 the Author(s). Published in ZooKeys journal.
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