| Andinobates virolinensis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Information | |
| Common Name | Santander Poison Frog |
| Range | Columbia where it is confined to the Santander and Cundinamarca departments on the Cordillera Oriental. |
| Scientific Classification | |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Amphibia |
| Order | Anura |
| Family | Dendrobatidae |
| Genus | Andinobates |
| Species | Andinobates virolinensis |
| Conservation Status | |
 Endangered | |
Andinobates virolinensis, also known as the Santander poison frog, is a species of frog in the Dendrobatidae family. It is endemic to Colombia where it is confined to the Santander and Cundinamarca departments on the Cordillera Oriental.
Description[]
Andinobates virolinensis are small frogs, measuring up to 19 mm (0.75 in) in snout-vent length. The head and about 2/3 of the body (anterior portion of the trunk) are scarlet in color, gradually darkening to a brown color in the posterior, forearms, and thighs. The tympanum is dark brown. Areas on the hands and feet may be sky blue.
The tadpoles of Andinobates virolinensis can be described as globular in shape; reddish brown; with a cream belly. Their spiracle (respiratory opening) is on the left side of their face and angles toward their posterior. Their oral disc is concave laterally.
Life History[]
Andinobates virolinensis live on the floor of cloud forest. They can be found active during the day in bromeliads a half foot to two meters above the ground. Unlike other species within the family Dendrobatidae, this species is not as territorial for spawning pools. Females lay the eggs in leaf-litter, and the males bring the larvae to the bromeliads. Reproduction occurs throughout the year. The diet consists of various arthropods, including mites, springtails, ants, and insect larvae. Thus, their diet is broadly similar to other poison dart frogs.
Conservation[]
Andinobates virolinensis is considered "Endangered" by IUCN because it is known from very few locations and because its habitat is threatened by habitat loss, primarily due to agricultural expansion. However, where it occurs it is a common species.
Andinobates virolinensis is sometimes found in pet trade, despite the Decree INDERENA No. 39 from July 1985 that forbade the collection of dendrobatids from the wild for breeding (or other) purposes.
Works Cited[]
“Andinobates Virolinensis.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 17 Nov. 2021,
-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andinobates_virolinensis.
Diaz, Raul E. “Andinobates Virolinensis.” Edited by Michelle S. Koo, AmphibiaWeb, 6 Jan. 2003,
- https://amphibiaweb.org/species/1695.