Latest news with #Ranitomeyaaetherea
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Copper-legged blue frog from poison dart family discovered in the Amazon rainforest
A new rarely-found amphibian has been discovered in the western Amazon dazzles with its mesmerising bright-blue body and unusual copper highlights on its limbs that makes it even more appealing and noticeable. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This creature is a part of the poison dart frog family and is named as Ranitomeya aetherea because of its sky-like tones. Also, they got official recognition as a new species recently. The team of Dr. Evan D. Koch, a researcher at the National Museum of the Czech Republic first discovered the frog in March 2023 at an unexplored region near the Juruá River. Blue poison dart frog discovered in Amazon The newly identified frog species features pale blue stripes over a darker-toned back, with shimmering legs speckled by uneven brown spots—giving it a truly distinctive have officially named the species Ranitomeya aetherea, inspired by its sky-coloured hues that evoke an almost otherworldly findings indicate that this frog resides in lowland regions of the Amazon rainforest, at elevations around 443 feet (135 meters). It is commonly seen resting on large-leaved plants within the area's moist, palm-dense environments. Blue frog: Unique colouring and potential venom Members of the Dendrobatidae family are famous for their powerful neurotoxins, with each species having its own distinct chemical of these frogs use bright, warning coloration to signal to predators that they are not a safe meal. While only a few R. aetherea specimens have been studied, researchers believe the frog's vivid markings suggest it may have toxic defenses, similar to other colorful species in the locals, vibrant frogs are a familiar sight, but the copper and pale stripes of this particular one are unusual. Field teams quickly observed that the frog's underside matches its light-blue hue and is dotted with dark spots. Blue frog characteristics According to a study, these frogs tend to remain near water-filled spaces in certain broad-leaf plants. These water pockets, called phytotelmata, house individual R. aetherea tadpoles at different stages of growth. Each tadpole has a tinted tail and a small oval mouth. As they mature, faint stripes begin to emerge on their tiny observations reveal that adults are most active during the early morning or late afternoon. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Males often climb small plants, usually just a few feet above the ground, where they emit a series of rapid, chirping note that although solitary males may gather in the same area without obvious aggression, they seem to respond strongly to recorded calls played back to them. Blue frog's distinct call patterns and behaviour The calling sessions of this frog last less than a second and consist of a rapid burst of distinct, tonal notes. This pattern distinguishes it from some other relatives, whose calls are either shorter or have a different one observation, a male produced a longer series of calls when a female approached, hinting at the possibility of a 'courtship call.' The same male was later seen guiding the interested female toward a concealed leaf base with trapped water. This behavior provides insight into how they may form bonds or share parental duties. Newly discovered blue frog habitat Throughout South America, frogs of the Ranitomeya genus typically occupy very particular habitats. It has been over a decade since a new species within this genus was discovered, making this a significant find for biologists focused on amphibian biodiversity. What makes R. aetherea stand out is its soft copper-colored legs, which represent a unique evolutionary path within the group. Genetic research shows that R. aetherea is closely related to other species from the southwestern Amazon, but it maintains a distinct genetic lineage. Researchers suspect that these frogs have highly specific habitat preferences and territorial boundaries, suggesting that they may have a very restricted tendency to focus on specific territories makes these species particularly vulnerable to environmental changes such as deforestation and land development. Also read:
Scottish Sun
18-05-2025
- Science
- Scottish Sun
From lost cities to eerie ‘ghost dogs' – six mysterious discoveries from deep inside the Amazon rainforest
Earlier this year, a huge ancient city was uncovered in the Amazon, completely changing what researchers knew about the history of people living there JUNGLE SECRETS From lost cities to eerie 'ghost dogs' – six mysterious discoveries from deep inside the Amazon rainforest Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) The Amazon is one of the planet's last great wildernesses, stretching across nine countries in South America. It has been a source of mystery and legends for centuries, and is home to poisonous creatures, lost cities and even a boiling river. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 The Amazon basin is home to a variety of poisonous creatures Credit: Getty 7 Earlier this year, a huge ancient city was uncovered in the Amazon, changing completely what researchers knew about the history of people living there Credit: Stephen Rostain 7 This LIDAR image provided by researchers in January 2024 shows complexes of rectangular platforms arranged around low squares and distributed along wide dug streets at the Kunguints site, Upano Valley in Ecuador Credit: AP 7 Discovered in still-isolated parts of the jungle, the Ranitomeya aetherea - a blue frog with copper legs and spots on its head - is just 15 mm long Credit: Koch et al., 2025, PLOS One, CC-BY 4.0 Deadly creatures The Amazon basin is home to a variety of poisonous creatures. There are roughly over 100 species of poison dart frogs, at least 17 species of venomous snakes, and other dangerous animals like the Brazilian wandering spider, Amazonian giant centipede, and electric eel. Earlier this week, wildlife researchers from Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia in Brazil announced they had discovered a new species of poisonous dart frog. Discovered in still-isolated parts of the jungle, the Ranitomeya aetherea - a blue frog with copper legs and spots on its head - is just 15 mm long. The small-but-deadly new creature is one of two Ranitomeya discovered over the past decade. Lost cities Earlier this year, a huge ancient city was uncovered in the Amazon, changing completely what researchers knew about the history of people living there. Hidden for thousands of years by lush vegetation, the lost city hosted houses and plazas, connected by winding networks of roads and canals. While researchers knew of mountainous or hillcrest cities, like Machu Picchu in Peru, it was believed that people only lived nomadically or in tiny settlements in the low-lying jungle. Located in the Upano area in eastern Ecuador, it is now considered the oldest city in the Amazon. "This is older than any other site we know in the Amazon," Professor Stephen Rostain, director of investigation at the National Centre for Scientific Research in France and research lead, said at the time. "We have a Eurocentric view of civilisation, but this shows we have to change our idea about what is culture and civilisation." Archeologists believe it was built around 2,500 years ago, and was inhabited for up to 1,000 years. Exactly how many people lived there at any one time is hard to say - but it is certainly in the 10,000s, if not 100,000s. Antoine Dorison, who co-authored a study with Rostain on the lost city, added: "It changes the way we see Amazonian cultures. "Most people picture small groups, probably naked, living in huts and clearing land - this shows ancient people lived in complicated urban societies." 7 These pups are so rare that even lifelong residents of the Amazon might never see one Credit: Galo Zapata-Rios and WCS 'Ghost dogs' Rumours of a short-eared dog sniffing around the Amazon had baffled scientists for years - so much so they have earned the nickname 'ghost dogs'. These pups are so rare that even lifelong residents of the Amazon might never see one. Although if you're lucky enough to catch one - it will be somewhere south of the Amazon River and east of the Andes Mountains. Much of what is now known is thanks to Renata Leite Pitman, a biologist and veterinarian who actually owned one herself. In 2009, Pitman heard of a short-eared dog puppy being sold to a logger at a market. But the dog's buyer had second thoughts when it started eating the neighbours' chickens - and relinquished ownership to Pitman. The pup, named Oso - meaning bear, would attract other short-eared dogs on walks through the rainforest with Pitman. These walks allowed scientists to observe the animals interacting for the very first time. Scientists learned that short-eared dogs eat meat and fish, as well as a variety of fruits, including Brazil nuts, forest açaí, breadnuts, and eggfruits. 'Ghost dogs', while rare, are believed to play an important role in spreading the seeds of many plants and trees. River of boiling water Shanay-Timpishka - also known as the river of boiling water - is not one you'd want to dip your toes in. With temperatures of up to 98-110°C (208.4-230°F), the Shanay-Timpishka can cause severe burns in seconds. The scalding waters, found in the Peruvian Amazon, are caused by geothermal activity. 7 With temperatures of up to 98-110°C (208.4-230°F), the Shanay-Timpishka can cause severe burns in seconds Credit: Getty 7 Often referred to as the "Queen of the Amazon", the green anaconda can reach up to 8.8m (29ft) in length Credit: Alamy Monster snakes The green anaconda rules the rainforest. Often referred to as the "Queen of the Amazon", these snakes can reach up to 8.8m (29ft) in length. But earlier this year, researchers discovered that examples of the famous green anaconda were actually two distinct species thought to have split almost 10million years ago. Although they look identical, they are genetically very different, a 17-year-long study revealed. The differences in their DNA is as much as five per cent. For context, the difference between humans and our ape relatives is roughly two per cent. Scientists have suggested defining the two by their localities - the northern green anaconda, scientifically known as Eunectes akayima, and the southern green anaconda, or Eunectes murinus.
The Irish Sun
18-05-2025
- Science
- The Irish Sun
From lost cities to eerie ‘ghost dogs' – six mysterious discoveries from deep inside the Amazon rainforest
The Amazon is one of the planet's last great wildernesses, stretching across nine countries in South America. It has been a source of mystery and legends for centuries, and is home to poisonous creatures, lost cities and even a boiling river. 7 The Amazon basin is home to a variety of poisonous creatures Credit: Getty 7 Earlier this year, a huge ancient city was uncovered in the Amazon, changing completely what researchers knew about the history of people living there Credit: Stephen Rostain 7 This LIDAR image provided by researchers in January 2024 shows complexes of rectangular platforms arranged around low squares and distributed along wide dug streets at the Kunguints site, Upano Valley in Ecuador Credit: AP 7 Discovered in still-isolated parts of the jungle, the Ranitomeya aetherea - a blue frog with copper legs and spots on its head - is just 15 mm long Credit: Koch et al., 2025, PLOS One, CC-BY 4.0 Deadly creatures The Amazon basin is home to a variety of poisonous creatures. There are roughly over 100 species of poison dart frogs, at least 17 species of venomous snakes, and other dangerous animals like the Brazilian wandering spider, Amazonian giant centipede, and electric eel. Earlier this week, wildlife researchers from Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia in Brazil announced they had discovered a new species of poisonous dart frog. Discovered in still-isolated parts of the jungle, the Ranitomeya aetherea - a blue frog with copper legs and spots on its head - is just 15 mm long. READ MORE ON WILDLIFE The small-but-deadly new creature is one of two Ranitomeya discovered over the past decade. Lost cities Earlier this year, a huge Hidden for thousands of years by lush vegetation, the lost city hosted houses and plazas, connected by winding networks of roads and canals. While researchers knew of mountainous or hillcrest cities, like Machu Picchu in Peru, it was believed that people only lived nomadically or in tiny settlements in the low-lying jungle. Most read in Tech Located in the Upano area in eastern "This is older than any other site we know in the Amazon," Professor Stephen Rostain, director of investigation at the National Centre for Scientific Research in France and research lead, said at the time. "We have a Eurocentric view of civilisation, but this shows we have to change our idea about what is culture and civilisation." Archeologists believe it was built around 2,500 years ago, and was inhabited for up to 1,000 years. Exactly how many people lived there at any one time is hard to say - but it is certainly in the 10,000s, if not 100,000s. Antoine Dorison, who co-authored a study with Rostain on the lost city, added: "It changes the way we see Amazonian cultures. "Most people picture small groups, probably naked, living in huts and clearing land - this shows ancient people lived in complicated urban societies." 7 These pups are so rare that even lifelong residents of the Amazon might never see one Credit: Galo Zapata-Rios and WCS 'Ghost dogs' Rumours of a short-eared dog sniffing around the Amazon had baffled scientists for years - so much so they have earned the nickname 'ghost dogs'. These pups are so rare that even lifelong residents of the Amazon might never see one. Although if you're lucky enough to catch one - it will be somewhere south of the Amazon River and east of the Andes Mountains. Much of what is now known is thanks to Renata Leite Pitman, a biologist and veterinarian who actually owned one herself. In 2009, Pitman heard of a short-eared dog puppy being sold to a logger at a market. But the dog's buyer had second thoughts when it started eating the neighbours' chickens - and relinquished ownership to Pitman. The pup, named Oso - meaning bear, would attract other short-eared dogs on walks through the rainforest with Pitman. These walks allowed scientists to observe the animals interacting for the very first time. Scientists learned that short-eared dogs eat meat and fish, as well as a variety of fruits, including Brazil nuts, forest açaí, breadnuts, and eggfruits. 'Ghost dogs', while rare, are believed to play an important role in spreading the seeds of many plants and trees. River of boiling water Shanay-Timpishka - also known as the river of boiling water - is not one you'd want to dip your toes in. With temperatures of up to 98-110°C (208.4-230°F), the Shanay-Timpishka can cause severe burns in seconds. The scalding waters, found in the Peruvian Amazon, are caused by geothermal activity. 7 With temperatures of up to 98-110°C (208.4-230°F), the Shanay-Timpishka can cause severe burns in seconds Credit: Getty 7 Often referred to as the "Queen of the Amazon", the green anaconda can reach up to 8.8m (29ft) in length Credit: Alamy Monster snakes The green anaconda rules the rainforest. Often referred to as the "Queen of the Amazon", these snakes can reach up to 8.8m (29ft) in length. But earlier this year, researchers discovered that examples of the famous green anaconda were actually two distinct species thought to have split almost 10million years ago. Although they look identical, they are genetically very different, a 17-year-long study revealed. The differences in their DNA is as much as five per cent. For context, the difference between humans and our ape relatives is roughly two per cent. Scientists have suggested defining the two by their localities - the northern green anaconda, scientifically known as Eunectes akayima, and the southern green anaconda, or Eunectes murinus.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Two new poisonous frog species discovered: Scientists issue warning
Image credits: X/@ehehe__he, @HerpsInTheNews In a shocking and intriguing discovery, two new species of poison dart frogs have been identified by scientists in the remote Brazilian Amazon , highlighting how little is truly known about the biodiversity in the rainforest. The discoveries were published in ZooKeys and PLOS One, revealing that these species are in the genus Ranitomeya, which hasn't been seen for more than a decade. The journey towards a discovery Reaching the newly discovered frogs required a challenging journey which began with a small plane flight followed by a 10-hour boat ride in the Juruá River, near the Brazil-Peru border. Identifying these frogs required more effort than just visual inspection, as they are nearly identical. 'Very distinct species can have the same appearance: the same colours and the same pattern,' explained Koch. He added that the situation is further complicated because 'sometimes a single species can have multiple patterns of colour.' Thus, to confirm their findings, scientists performed genetic sequencing, detailed morphological measurements under microscopes and acoustic analyses of mating calls. According to the results, both species occupy different branches on the evolutionary tree, confirming they are separate. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like เทรดทองCFDs กับโบรกเกอร์ที่เชื่อถือได้ | เรียนรู้เพิ่มเติม IC Markets สมัคร Undo Ranitomeya Aquamarina Image credits: X/@ehehe__he The first species, Ranitomeya Aquamarina, also known as the "metallic poison frog", is notable for its unique turquoise stripes against a jet-black body. These frogs often appear in pairs, indicating a monogamy that is rare in amphibians. They tend to stay together for long periods, which is not typical for dart frogs. Ranitomeya Aetherea Image credits: X/@HerpsInTheNews The second species is called Ranitomeya aetherea, known for its sky blue stripes on a brick red body. Both species measure roughly about 15 to 17 millimetres, about the diameter of a dime, making them among the tiniest poison dart frogs ever documented. Unlike the species above, the Ranitomeya aetherea males are typically solitary and engage in frequent advertising calls to attract females, who don't stay in one spot for long. While these discoveries mark a significant addition in the identification of rare Amazon species, their existence is threatened by the rapid deforestation being carried out in the area. Since they are found in small volumes in areas just a few miles apart, they are vulnerable, and their exact conservation status still remains unknown.
Newsweek
14-05-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
New Poison Dart Frog Species Discovered
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new species of poison dart frog has been discovered in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon, where dense rainforests host some of the most diverse and complex ecosystems on Earth. In a study published in the journal PLOS ONE, a joint team of Brazilian and Czech researchers have identified Rantomeya aetherea, a colorful species characterized by its distinctive sky-blue dorsal stripes and metallic-looking copper limbs. This small amphibian, which only grow up to 0.6 inches long, has a unique look that sets it apart from all of the other currently known poison dart frogs . Besides its distinctive and bright coloration, it also features a ring-shaped granular region right on the belly, and toes with poorly developed lateral fingers. Adult individuals of Ranitomeya aetherea sp. Adult individuals of Ranitomeya aetherea sp. Koch et al., 2025, PLOS One, CC-BY 4.0 Considered one of Earth's most toxic species, poison dart frogs come in a wide range of bright colors—including yellow, orange, red, green and blue. According to the McGill University office for science and society, several species of poison dart frogs contain such powerful toxins in their body that can kill an adult human by just brushing against its poisonous skin. While it is still unclear exactly where their poison actually comes from, scientists believe it could be due to some of the insects that they eat. Beyond its unique appearance, R. aetherea also displays some fascinating behavioral traits. Its mating call consists of 16 to 35 notes, sung over a duration of 8.2–16.9 milliseconds. The frog was discovered in the Juruá River basin. The surrounding western Brazilian Amazon remains one of the least sampled parts of the entire rainforest, thanks in no small part to its remote location and other accessibility challenges, This may explain why R. aetherea has evaded detection until now—and why no new species have been identified in around a decade. R. aetherea was only recorded at one site, in the middle of a rain-resistant forest with palms. It is a diurnal species, typically active in the early hours of the morning and late afternoon, though can be active all day when it rains. Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about poison dart frogs? Let us know via science@ Reference Koch, E. D., Mônico, A. T., Dayrell, J. S., Ferreira, A. S., Dantas, S. P., Moravec, J., & Lima, A. P. (2025). A remarkable new blue Ranitomeya species (Anura: Dendrobatidae) with copper metallic legs from open forests of Juruá River Basin, Amazonia. PLOS ONE, 20(5).
