Hyloxalus pulchellus
# Hyloxalus pulchellus

Hyloxalus pulchellus is a species of frog in the family Dendrobatidae from northern Ecuador and southern Colombia. Colombina source does not include Nariño but does include Putumayo Department.

## Distribution

Hyloxalus pulchellus is found in the inter-Andean páramos of northern Ecuador and adjacent Colombia (Nariño and Cauca Departments) and on the eastern slopes of the Andes from southern Colombia south in Ecuador to the headwaters of the Pastaza River. Colombian source does not include Nariño but does include Putumayo Department. Its altitudinal range is 1,590–2,970 m (5,220–9,740 ft) asl; at the higher end of this range it is the only frog species of this kind.

## Description

Males measure 17–22 mm (0.67–0.87 in) and females 20–24 mm (0.79–0.94 in) in snout–vent length. Dorsum is dark brown with diffuse greenish tint. It has an oblique lateral stripe extending to eye, cream with iridescent golden tint in colour and sometimes edged with brown or black.

## Behaviour

Male frogs call in or from under grass. The call is a buzz emitted 72 times during 4 minutes.

## Habitat and conservation

Its natural habitats are dry and humid montane forests. It is threatened by habitat loss, possibly also climate change and chytridiomycosis. It has disappeared from many sites in Ecuador but remains common in Colombia.

