About Melanophryniscus stelzneri (Weyenbergh, 1875)
Melanophryniscus stelzneri grows to approximately 3.8 cm (1.5 in), and females of this species are typically larger than males. This species was first discovered in Córdoba, Argentina. Currently, its confirmed range covers the Córdoba, San Luis, and Salta Provinces of Argentina, and its range may also extend into Bolivia. Melanophryniscus stelzneri lives in grasslands that have rocky outcrops. Its reproduction occurs in shallow ponds, streams, bogs, and even roadside ditches. In the wild, members of the genus Melanophryniscus (including M. stelzneri) are toxic. The natural diet of M. stelzneri consists mainly of mites and ants, and it is thought that the species' toxins are derived from alkaloids present in this natural diet. M. stelzneri has a bright, distinct color pattern that functions as aposematism, a warning signal to predators. When held in captivity, this species loses its toxicity.
