Scientists have unearthed a peculiar discovery in the heart of Brazil's Atlantic Forest - a new species of minute frog resembling a creature straight out of a Halloween tale.
Meet Brachycephalus rotenbergae, a pint-sized, brilliantly colored, and exceptionally toxic amphibian commonly referred to as a "pumpkin toadlet," CNET reported. But don't let its festive name fool you; this amphibious oddity is far from a trick-or-treat treat.
Halloween-Like Pumpkin Toadlet
The vibrant revelation, detailed in the journal PLOS One, hails from the southern domains of the Mantiqueira mountain range within São Paulo, Brazil.
This region plays host to a medley of pumpkin toadlet species known for their shared trait - a dazzling resemblance to the vivid hues of pumpkin soup. It's a visual treat, to say the least.
To distinguish this miniature amphibian, a squad of Brazilian researchers embarked on a rigorous journey of analysis. They scrutinized its size, shape, skeletal structure, genetic makeup and even tuned into its signature froggy serenade.
From October 2017 to September 2019, their investigations traversed two distinct zones within the Atlantic Forest. Over 76 field surveys, predominantly conducted during daylight hours, illuminated the behavior and history of this newfound species.
Exploring the realm of Brachycephalus, the researchers encountered a vexing challenge - the genus's genetic and physical resemblances amongst its brightest members.
But within B. rotenbergae, a conspicuous trait emerged; it stood slightly smaller than its cousin, B. ephippium, and sported characteristic, faded dark splotches adorning its skull.
Adding an extra layer of intrigue, some pumpkin toadlets, including B. rotenbergae, harbor a captivating secret - their bones, nestled just beneath their fleshy skin, emit a radiant glow when exposed to fluorescent light.
The name Brachycephalus rotenbergae pays homage to Elise Laura K. Rotenberg, a Brazilian NGO Projeto Danis founder. This organization is dedicated to the conservation of the Atlantic Forest, the very habitat where this distinctive toadlet made its initial appearance.
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The Brachycephalus Genus
The Brachycephalus genus has long confounded taxonomists due to its shared morphological traits and genetic conservatism. The findings of the team introduce a novel member to the Brachycephalus lineage, thriving within the southern Mantiqueira mountain range and semi-deciduous woodlands that sprawl across Mogi das Cruzes, Campinas, and Jundiaí in São Paulo, Brazil.
This comprehensive analysis scrutinizes intricate morphological features, distinctive mating calls, mitochondrial DNA gene sequences (16S), genetic disparities, and more.
Although the newfound species shares genetic similarities with B. margaritatus and physical resemblances with B. ephippium, it boasts unique dusky skull markings, scattered ebony connective tissues across its dorsal musculature, a distinct parotic plate structure, a diminutive snout-vent length (adult SVL: males 13.46-15.92 mm; females 16.04-17.69 mm), and a 3% genetic divergence.
The report also delves into the species' natural history, evaluates the reliability of the integrative approach, maps its geographical distribution, interprets genetic data, explores behavioral patterns, investigates fluorescence across various life stages, and discusses its conservation status.
Learn more about the team's findings here.
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