AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN ENInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Endangered — faces a very high risk of extinction if threats are not urgently addressed.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Oophaga granulifera
Granular Poison Frog
Taylor, 1958
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small, brightly colored anuran, characterized by skin with a distinctive granular texture. Its coloration, usually red, orange, or yellow, functions as an aposematic warning signal about its potent chemical toxicity.
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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).Dendrobatidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Oophaga
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Taylor, 1958
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 the forest floor and low understory of very humid tropical rainforests. It requires environments with high humidity and dense vegetation to survive.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Diurnal and territorial species. Males defend small areas of leaf litter where they perform their calls to attract females.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary species that interacts mainly during mating and territorial defense. Males are very aggressive towards other invading males.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. Moves over the leaf litter detecting small prey through vision, capturing them quickly with its protractile tongue.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Specialized insectivore. Consumes mostly ants and mites, from which it sequesters alkaloids to produce its potent skin toxins.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous with complex parental care. Terrestrial eggs; female moves tadpoles to bromeliads and feeds them with infertile eggs.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
1.5 - 2.2 cm
Weight (Grams)
1 g - 3 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 5
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 - 3
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males4 - 7 Years
Females4 - 7 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Smaller males, with a coloration often slightly duller and constant vocalizations during territorial defense.
Females Multi-lang
Females are larger and have a wider body structure, necessary for egg development before laying.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Aposematism: Its bright color indicates toxicity, which deters most visual predators.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat loss due to deforestation and land conversion for intensive agriculture.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Advanced parental care: The female deposits eggs on the ground and transports tadpoles one by one to bromeliads, where she feeds them with unfertilized eggs.