Nature never tires of surprising. From the largest animals to the tiniest creatures, the colour, detail and even behavior of the diverse species on planet earth offer an everchanging show.
On the Amazon stage, an amphibian doesn’t even need an appearance, as the imagination itself enchants. The “milk frog” (Trachycephalus resinifictrix), known as the milk frog, measures nine centimeters and stands out because of its shades of blue. But the biggest surprise lies in the body of the species: the bones, muscles and even the inside of the mouth are also blue.
The reason for the bluish discoloration of bones and muscles is still unknown to researchers — Photo: Eva Herbst
The reason for the bluish coloring of bones and muscles is still unknown to researchers — Photo: Eva Herbst
“Some anurans (frogs, frogs, and tree frogs) can have different staining in their bones, as is the case with the milk frog. But to date, the reason for this is unknown and the possible consequences are unknown, it is a mystery that intrigues the scientific community,” explains amphibian specialist Diego Santana.
On the other hand, flashy colors that are visible have an explanation. “Vibrant colors in nature can mean the species is poisonous, which is the case with Trachycephalyus. The “glue” (the sticky substance they release when caught) is poisonous. Often these stronger colors can act as a warning to predators,” he adds.
This species occurs in a large part of the Amazon rainforest and therefore crosses the Brazilian borders and is found in some other South American countries such as Guyana, Suriname, Ecuador and Colombia.
3 of 5 The milk frog is an amphibian of the genus Trachycephalus in the family Hylidae — Photo: Offenlegung
The milk frog is an amphibian of the genus Trachycephalus in the family Hylidae.
The poison excreted by the milk frog does not pose any danger to human health. It leaves the amphibian with a bad and strong taste and still causes a kind of hives in the mucosal region of the possible predator, such as reptiles, birds, mammals and even other amphibians.
The skin color of the species can vary between shades of brown, blue, and white, with juveniles generally being lighter and older being more opaque.
“This species is very desirable as a pet. Commercialization is banned in Brazil, but because it is found in other countries, the milk frog is being commercialized and located in several homes, zoos, and breeders mainly in the United States and Europe. In these cases, the color of individuals can vary with these different types of external environments,” says Santana.
4 of 5 Understanding the differences between toads and frogs — Photo: Arte TG
Understanding the differences between toads and frogs — Photo: Arte TG
Although the species is not listed as threatened on either the international list (IUCN) or the Brazilian list by ICMBio (MMA), the fact that it is attractive in the pet market raises a warning about animal trade affecting populations can. of this animal, according to the expert.
The milk frog usually stays near streams, although it rarely descends to the forest floor. He’s almost always on the treetops, and thanks to the sticky discs (a suction cuplike structure) on his fingertips, he manages to climb up the trunks. These structures are so strong that they are estimated to be able to support 14 times the weight of the amphibian.
A curiosity is that four species of frogs in the Amazon, the best known of which is the “milk frog”, are called “cunauaru” by local people, which is an indigenous word for these amphibians that sing high up in the trees.
5 out of 5 Body coloration can be a warning sign of predators — Photo: Kurita Sheen
Body coloring can be a warning sign of predators — Photo: Kurita Sheen