The harlequin poison dart frog (Oophaga histrionica) hails from the Chocó area of western Colombia the place it dwells on the forest flooring, amongst fallen branches and useless leaves. Even the eggs are laid amongst the leaflitter and as soon as hatched one of many dad and mom will transfer the tadpoles to small pockets of water, usually inside a bromeliad plant. The mom makes frequent visits to the tadpoles with a view to lay unfertilized eggs for them to eat (the genus identify, Oophaga, means “egg eater”). In captivity, this species could be tough to rear, because the tadpoles require their moms eggs to outlive. As adults the frogs feed on ants and mites. Pores and skin contact with the harlequin dart frog may end up in native redness and itching, or a burning sensation. If it enters the physique it may end up in nausea, vomiting, dizziness, muscle weak spot, and in excessive circumstances, seizures or paralysis.
As a toy, the harlequin dart frog has solely been produced a number of instances and there are none presently in manufacturing. This determine by Safari is a part of the unique three frogs produced for the Nationwide Aquarium in Baltimore, in 1990. For a historical past of the Baltimore Aquarium frog set, try my evaluation of the blue poison dart frog.
This determine has a snout-vent size of 1.75” (4.4 cm) whereas the precise frog reaches a size of 1.30” (3.3 cm) with males reaching a bigger dimension than females however extra usually remaining the identical dimension. The determine is offered in a static pose with the limbs barely splayed out from the physique and the stomach lifted off the bottom.
The determine is crude by at the moment’s requirements, with nearly no positive particulars and thick, noodly trying limbs and digits. The digit depend is right, with 4 digits on the forelimbs and 5 on the hindlimbs. The general construct is correct, with a smallish head, sturdy physique, and barely protruding hips. There’s a pair of small bumps on the throat which I imagine represents the relaxed vocal sac. All of the dart frogs within the set have them so I suppose all of them would possibly signify males.
This harlequin dart frog is painted black with orange wavy blotches throughout its physique. The black eyes are edged in blue. In life, the harlequin dart frog’s coloration and sample are extremely variable. They have an inclination to have a black or brown background coloration with crimson, orange, or yellow spots that may range in dimension and quantity, from a single massive spot on the again to tightly clustered speckles over the complete physique.
Of the figures of this species that exist the one by Nature Technicolor seems to be the perfect, nevertheless it’s in all probability the toughest to seek out. Membership Earth additionally made a toy of the species, however it’s no higher than this one and possibly tougher to seek out too. Though aged, that is an enough consultant of its species in the intervening time, and definitely important to anybody wishing to gather the Baltimore Aquarium frog set or with a give attention to classic toys and toy units.
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