Rhaebo caeruleostictus
# Rhaebo caeruleostictus

Rhaebo caeruleostictus is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae. It is endemic to Ecuador and occurs along the lower western slope of the Cordillera Occidental at elevations of 40–2,000 m (130–6,560 ft) asl. The specific name caeruleostictus, from Latin caeruleus (=blue) and Greek stiktos (spotted), refers to the bluish colour pattern of this species. Accordingly, common name blue-spotted toad has been coined for it.

## Description

Males measure 76–81 mm (3.0–3.2 in) and females 72–92 mm (2.8–3.6 in) in snout–vent length. The Dorsum and sides have blueish-blackish vermiculations on orangish background (this coloration is assumed to be aposematic). The tympanum is not visible. The parotoid glands are large.

## Habitat and conservation

Its natural habitats are tropical moist forests and cloud forests. It is a terrestrial species that breeds in riparian habitats.

It is a rare species that is threatened by habitat loss caused by agricultural expansion, logging, and wood plantations. It has not been seen since 1997, and it might be extinct.

