AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN CRInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Critically Endangered — faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the near future.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Atelopus varius
Harlequin Frog
Lichtenstein and Martens, 1856
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small to medium-sized anuran, famous for its extremely variable and vibrant coloration patterns that act as a warning. Its skin has a smooth to slightly rough texture and its limbs are long and slender.
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Anonymous Curator
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Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Amphibia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Anura
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Bufonidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Atelopus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Lichtenstein and Martens, 1856
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Insectivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits mainly the banks of high mountain streams and cloud forests in Costa Rica and Panama. It requires crystal-clear running water to complete its life cycle.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Strictly diurnal species, spending most of its time on rocks at the edge of streams.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary and highly territorial. Males patrol specific areas next to the stream to establish dominance and attract females.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Active diurnal hunter. Uses its vision to locate prey on rocks and captures them through a quick tongue movement.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Insectivore; feeds on a wide variety of small arthropods that inhabit near water streams.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous; deposits eggs in strings attached to rocks within streams with moderate flow.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
3.0 - 4.5 cm
Weight (Grams)
2 g - 5 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.30 - 80
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 - 2 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
2 - 4
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males4 - 8 Years
Females4 - 8 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are slightly smaller and exhibit more frequent vocalizations, in addition to displaying hand signaling behavior.
Females Multi-lang
Females are notably larger and more robust, dedicating a large part of their energy to the development of the egg mass.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Aposematism: Its bright colors warn of the potent toxins (zumbastatins) it secretes through its skin, which keeps predators away.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Chytridiomycosis: The fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis has been the primary cause of its population collapse, in addition to habitat loss and climate change.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Diurnal species that uses visual communication through limb signaling (semaphore) to defend its territory.