Clown Frog (Costa Rican Variable Harlequin Toad)

Clown Frog

Scientific Name – Atelopus varius

Classification – Bufonidae

Baby Name – Tadpole

Collective Noun – Knot, lump, nest, or knob

Average Length – 3 to 5 cm

Life Expectancy – 10 years in captivity

Breeding Season – Not known

Incubation Period – Around 36 hours

Special Features – Slim body with a pointed snout, pointed toes without discs; black or brown outer surface covered with a combination of orange, red, blue, yellow, or green spots; underside is streaked with white,  orange, yellow, and/or red

Family Unit – Male fertilizes the eggs after the eggs are laid by the females

Geographical Distribution – Costa Rica, Panama

World Population – Decreasing

Conservation Status – Critically Endangered

Natural Habitat – Along streams in moist lowland and montane forests

Diet – Mainly small arthropods

Predators – Not known