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Description:
At least three
different species of toads in the Iquitos region are grouped under
this name, but these have not yet been recognized formally.
Males 40-67 mm, females 46-76 mm. The skin on the dorsum is roughened,
with or without scattered tubercles or the neural spines of the
vertebrae protruding through the skin on the back; the skin on
the venter is granular; a diagonal row of conical tubercles extends
from the back of the head to the groin. The snout is pointed,
and the tympanum may be present or absent. The partoid glands
are narrowly elliptical or triangular and confuent with the cranial
crests. The dorsum varies from uniform reddish brown to tan with
or without large or small dark brown spots or blotches. At least
one variety tends to have a bold cream middorsal stripe. The venter
is grayish tan to cream with or without cream spots or gray mottling.
The iris is bronze with a greenish-gold ring around the pupil.
Ecology
Habitat:
terre firme forest.
Niche:
carnivorous: prey includes insects and and any other small creatures
it can catch.
Life History:
All of these toads are diurnal on the forest floor, where their
coloration and periphery of spines result in their mimicking dead
leaves. All feed primarily on ants. At night they frequently climb
onto low leaves to sleep. At least one species breeds in slow
moving streams, where they deposit strings of small, pigmented
eggs.
Status:
At the Reserva Comunal Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo, this species is common
and easily found in the upland forest along the Quebrada Blanco.
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