Melanophryniscus atroluteus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Melanophryniscus atroluteus |
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The Uruguay redbelly toad (Melanophryniscus atroluteus) is a small and colorful type of toad. It belongs to the Bufonidae family, which includes many different kinds of toads. You can find this special toad in parts of northeastern Argentina, Uruguay, southern Paraguay, and southern Brazil. This includes the state of Rio Grande do Sul and possibly Santa Catarina.
Scientists once thought it was a type of Melanophryniscus stelzneri. Now, they believe it might be the same species as Melanophryniscus montevidensis. Its common name, the Uruguay redbelly toad, comes from where it lives and its bright belly.
What Does It Look Like?
This toad is quite small. Male toads can grow up to about 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) long. Females are a bit bigger, reaching about 2.9 centimeters (1.1 inches). However, many toads found are usually a little smaller than these sizes.
The skin of the Uruguay redbelly toad feels very bumpy. It has many small bumps, making it feel granular. The toad's back, called the dorsum, is a solid black color. It does not have any spots or patterns.
But its belly is very different! It is black with bright red or yellow blotches. These colorful spots make it easy to recognize. The toad's throat is usually dark. Its feet have only a small amount of webbing between the toes.
How Does It Behave?
When the Uruguay redbelly toad feels scared or threatened, it has a special way to protect itself. It performs something called the Unkenreflex. This is a defense behavior where the toad arches its back. It also shows off its bright, colorful belly. This bright color warns predators that the toad might be poisonous or taste bad. It's like saying, "Stay away!"
Where Does It Live and How Is It Doing?
The Uruguay redbelly toad lives in grassland areas. It can be found at different heights, up to about 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) above sea level. When it's time to have babies, these toads gather quickly in large numbers. This is called "explosive breeding." They lay their eggs in temporary pools of water. They also use ditches found near farms.
In some places, like parts of Argentina and Uruguay, these toads are very common during breeding season. But in other areas, they are rare or hard to find. They can live in places where humans have changed the land a bit. However, they do not do well in areas with a lot of cattle farming.
This toad faces some challenges. New pine and Eucalyptus tree farms are a problem. These farms can take over the toad's natural grassland home. Draining wetlands, which are wet, marshy areas, also harms them. These wetlands are important for their breeding. People sometimes try to catch these toads to keep as pets. This "pet trade" could also become a threat to their numbers. Sadly, this toad does not seem to live in many large protected areas.
