The multicolored chernosinka [1] , or the atelope of Steltsner [1] ( Melanophryniscus stelzneri ), is a species of amphibians from the family Bufonidae . A specific Latin name is given in honor of the German geologist Alfred Wilhelm Shteltsner (1840-1895) [2] .
| Multi-colored black |
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| Scientific classification |
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| No rank : | Bilateral symmetrical |
| Squad: | Tailless Amphibians |
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| International scientific name |
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Melanophryniscus stelzneri ( Weyenbergh , 1875) |
| Synonyms |
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Atelopus stelzneri |
| Security status |
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Least ConcernedIUCN 3.1 Least Concern : 54831 |
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The total length reaches 2-3.5 cm, sometimes 4 cm. Sexual dimorphism is observed - the females are slightly larger than the males. The main background of the back is matte black with yellow spots, palms and feet are red. Sometimes a red stripe stretches in the middle of the back. The belly is yellow.
He loves shrubby sand dunes, meadows with rocky outcrops, rice plantations. It occurs at an altitude of 900 to 1750 meters above sea level. Representatives of this species do not tolerate high temperatures with high humidity, which harms their very sensitive velvety skin. Active during the day. It feeds on flies, wasps, spiders.
It uses poison secreted by special glands as protection. The poison of this toad is comparable to the poison of poison frogs.
During the breeding season, it is very fast and mobile, runs, swims, climbs, but does not jump. During the mating period, both sexes emit a scream consisting of two sonorous tones: one - like a bell and a low trill following them. The eggs are laid in shallow rain puddles, and after 24 hours the larvae are already hatched.
It lives mainly in Argentina, sometimes found in Bolivia, Paraguay, and extremely rarely in Brazil.
Subspecies:
- Melanophryniscus stelzneri stelzneri
- Melanophryniscus stelzneri spegazzinii
- Melanophryniscus stelzneri (this subspecies is not defined; it is found only in the province of Buenos Aires).
