In size, the Pumpkin Toadlet is no bigger than a fingernail, but it is highly poisonous.
Next time you go to a rave, bring a Pumpkin Toadlet with you. Like little sentient glowsticks, parts of these frogs seem to shine a neon green when flashed with UV light. The reason why the Pumpkin Toadlet has evolved with this ability is still unclear, but researchers suspect it might be to help the toads find one another in the forest or to warn predators of their bad-tasting insides (this method is tried and tested – just ask glow worms.)
Found in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, the pumpkin toadlet belongs to a family called the Brachycephalus, of which there are at least 30 other known species. In size, this amphibian is no bigger than a fingernail, but it is highly poisonous, secreting the same toxin found in pufferfish.
We use cookie to improve your experience on our site.