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Brilliant-thighed Poison Frog
Allobates femoralis
Incredible evolutionary mimic. Although belonging to a non-toxic family (Aromobatidae), it perfectly copies the colors of the highly toxic Ameerega trivittata to survive.
Class:Amphibia
Order:Anura
Family:Aromobatidae
Subfamily:Allobatinae
Genus:Allobates
Species:Allobates femoralis
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
80 - 100 %
Day temperature
21 - 27 °C
Night temperature
19 - 21 °C
UVB
Low
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Widespread throughout the warm and humid Amazon basin of South America (Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Colombia, Guyana). This strictly terrestrial and diurnal species inhabits the damp leaf litter of the forest floor.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Family Aromobatidae (closely related to Dendrobatidae but generally lacking potent toxins). Commonly known as the Brilliant-thighed Poison Frog. It features cryptic dorsal coloration but uses bright red or yellow flash colors under the thighs to startle predators.
Behavior and Habits: Highly active, bold, and inquisitive diurnal frog. They are agile jumpers. Males are highly vocal, producing a loud, distinct "tuit-tuit-tuit" call to defend territories and attract females. Parents transport tadpoles to water sources on their backs.
Morphology: Streamlined body reaching up to 3 cm in length. The dorsal area is dark brown or black with yellowish-white lateral stripes. The groin and inner thighs feature brilliant red or orange flash colors. Females are rounder and larger than males.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: Terrestrial setup measuring at least 60x45x45 cm. Provide a drainage layer, moist soil, and a thick layer of leaf litter (oak or Catappa). Include cork bark and coconut shells for shelter and egg-laying sites.
Lighting and Heating: Maintain temperatures between 25-27°C during the day, and around 22°C at night. Provide 5% UVB lighting to ensure strong bone development. Temperatures above 30°C cause severe heat stress and mortality.
Humidity and Hydration: Maintain high humidity levels (80-90%) with daily misting of reverse osmosis water. Good ventilation is essential to prevent stagnant conditions and bacterial infections.
Feeding and Supplementation: Active diurnal hunter. Feeds on fruit flies, micro-crickets, and small roaches. Dust food items with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements three times a week to prevent metabolic bone disease.
Compatibility: Peaceful and highly compatible with its own species in harem groups. Avoid mixing with other dendrobatids to prevent territorial disputes or stress.
Health and Common Diseases: Avoid direct handling as skin absorption of toxins or soap residues can be fatal to the frog. Snout rubbing can occur if they panic. Ensure strict hygiene of the substrate.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Widespread throughout the warm and humid Amazon basin of South America (Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Colombia, Guyana). This strictly terrestrial and diurnal species inhabits the damp leaf litter of the forest floor.
Origin
Amazon, Orinoco, and GuianasNorth America
Amphibian profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 3.6 cm
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Toxicity
- No verified data available
- Life stage
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
The catalog's scalar value is 3.6 cm. The AmphiBIO v1 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 3.6 cm for this species, recorded as snout–vent length (SVL). These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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