Kingdom Animalia Order Anura Genus Hyloxalus Higher classification Colostethus | Phylum Chordata Family Dendrobatidae Scientific name Colostethus elachyhistus Rank Species | |
Similar Poison dart frog, Frog, Hyloxalus edwardsi, Hyloxalus vertebralis | ||
Hyloxalus elachyhistus is a species of frog in the Dendrobatidae family. It is found in southern Ecuador (both versants of the Andes) and northern Peru, in the Huancabamba Depression and south to Cajabamba Province.
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Description
Hyloxalus elachyhistus shows considerable intraspecies variability, and it might represent more than one species. Ecuadorian males measure 18–24 mm (0.71–0.94 in) and females 21.5–28 mm (0.85–1.10 in) in snout–vent length. Peruvian specimens are smaller: males measure 17–20 mm (0.67–0.79 in) and females 19–23 mm (0.75–0.91 in) SVL. Dorsum varies in colour between populations, from pale olive to brown. There is a pale yellow to tan oblique lateral stripe, usually narrowly bordered by dark brown or black.
Males may protect the egg clutch. Both males and females may transport the tadpoles. Back-riding tadpoles vary in size, from about 10 to 17 mm (0.39 to 0.67 in) in total length. Largest free-swimming tadpoles are 38 mm (1.5 in) in total length.
Habitat and conservation
Its natural habitats are dry and humid lowland and premontane forests. It occurs near streams, especially in dry forests. It is threatened by habitat loss. Declines at high elevations have taken place even in suitable habitat and could be due to chytridiomycosis.