Purple Harlequin Toad

The purple harlequin toad is a rare color variant of the harlequin toad species native to parts of Central and South America. Unlike the typical green-and-black patterned appearance of harlequin toads, the purple morph exhibits a stunning uniform lavender or violet coloration over its entire body. This unique purple coloring is produced by a genetic mutation that causes an overproduction of blue and violet pigments in the toad's skin. The mutation is very uncommon, occurring in less than 1% of wild harlequin toad populations. Even though they look dramatically different on the outside, purple harlequin toads behave the same as normally-colored harlequins. They inhabit tropical rainforests, feed on insects, produce toxic secretions for defense, and breed in small ponds. Their brilliant purple skin allows them to camouflage amongst violet flowers and fruits in their environment. The exotic shades make them popular in the pet trade, though overcollection threatens some wild populations. Overall, the purple harlequin toad is a visually striking but very rare color variant of an otherwise common tropical amphibian.

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