Hyloxalus exasperatus
# Hyloxalus exasperatus

Hyloxalus exasperatus is a species of frog in the family Dendrobatidae. It is endemic to Ecuador and found on the eastern slopes of the Andes in Pastaza and Morona-Santiago Provinces. However, it is suggested that specimens from Pastaza represent a different, possibly undescribed species.

## Description

Males measure 17.5–20 mm (0.69–0.79 in) and females 21 mm (0.83 in) in snout–vent length (based on only six and two specimens, respectively). Toe webbing is absent but it has a dorsolateral stripe and a short oblique lateral stripe. It is similar to Hyloxalus whymperi but lacks heavy darkening on the abdomen of males. Male call is unknown.

## Habitat and conservation

Its natural habitats are pluvial premontane and very humid premontane forests. Its altitudinal range is 970–1,981 m (3,182–6,499 ft) asl. It is threatened by habitat loss and degradation caused by agricultural expansion and logging; introduced species might also be a threat.

