Atelopus varius is also known as the clown frog or varied harlequin toad of Costa Rica. A. varius, which formerly ranged from Costa Rica to Panama, is currently classified as highly endangered. A. varius has been declining recently as a result of changes in air temperature, precipitation, stream flow patterns, and the subsequent spread of a virulent chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) connected to global climate change. Previously thought of as a subspecies of A. varius, A. zeteki is now typically regarded as a distinct species.
The historic range of A. varius extended from the Costa Rican Cordilleras de Tilaran mountain range’s Pacific and Atlantic slopes into western Panama.
Habitat
Costa Rica in southern Central America extends southward into western South America. A. varius lives in the humid rainforest floor ecosystem, from the lowlands to the cloud forests. Since they breed near waterways, they can frequently be found there.
Appearance
A toad with a pointed snout and a short, slender body (2.4 –3.8 cm; 1-1.5 in), Atelopus varius exhibits a wide range of colours. A mosaic of spots and streaks are frequently superimposed on top of the dorsal colour, which is typically black or brown. Sometimes the paler hues are more prominent. White, yellow, orange, and/or red marbling can be seen on the belly. The toes lack discs and are pointed.
Reproduction
The primary areas where A. varius reproduces are streams and other bodies of flowing water. The female lays 30-75 eggs in long strings in shallow water during amplexus, and the male fertilizes them. In around 36 hours, the eggs will hatch. Tadpoles are protected from being carried away by the stream by having a flattened body and an abdominal sucker.
Diet
A. varius consumes tiny insects like gnats and flies.
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