A vibrant orange frog, just over a centimeter long, has been discovered in Brazil's Atlantic Forest, captivating researchers with its miniature size - smaller than an average fingernail.
Of the 42 known species, 35 have been described since 2000. Individuals of the latest species to be described, B. lulai, were found hidden in the leaf litter of the montane Atlantic Forest at two nearby sites on the southeastern slopes of Serra do Quiriri in the state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil.
The researchers collected 32 individuals and compared different features of the frogs, including their DNA and vocalizations, with those of other Brachycephalus species. Their analysis showed that it was indeed a new-to-science species. lulai has a bright-orange body dotted with tiny green and brown spots. Males measure just 8.9-11.3 millimeters (0.35-0.44 inches) in length, while females are slightly larger at 11.7-13.4 mm (0.46-0.53 inches).
The males produce a very distinct call to attract females that’s unique to the species, the researchers found. Currently, the sites where B. lulai was found appear to be intact, without any significant threats. As such, the researchers suggest the species be categorized as...This article was originally published on Mongabay
Brightcast Impact Score (BIS)
70/100•Hopeful
This article about the discovery of a new miniature bright-orange toadlet species in southern Brazil aligns well with Brightcast's mission. It highlights a constructive scientific discovery, provides measurable details about the new species, and conveys a sense of hope and wonder about the natural world. While the article does not directly discuss solutions to major problems, it showcases the ongoing efforts of researchers to expand our knowledge and appreciation of biodiversity, which is an important part of creating a more sustainable future.
Hope Impact25/33
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Reach Scale20/33
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Verification25/33
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