Current project

Functional aspects and evolution of aposematism in brilliant-colored and not so colorful toxic toads

Harlequin toads (Atelopus) greatly vary between cryptic and brilliant colorations and some just have flash marks. All Atelopus are toxic. They contain tetrodotoxin (TTX) which is puzzling, as this highly venomous substance is, other than in amphibians, known from many marine organisms including buffer fish, a delicacy in Japan. In a phylogenetic context, we study the evolution of the correlative traits visual conspicuousness and toxicity and how all this relates to increased behavioral activity.

PI: Stefan Lötters

Find out more on: www.stefanloetters.de