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Anura: Aromobatidae - Fragrant Frogs
The frogs in this family have been long considered part of Dendrobatidae. The family ranges from Nicaragua southward into South America. They occur on both sides of the Andes in Colombia and Ecuador, in the Amazon Basin, and Brazil's Atlantic Forest. They also occur on the continental islands of Trinidad and Tobago. The family is currently divided into three subfamilies with at least 5 genera and about 87 species. The common name I have provided here is due to the fact that at least one species (Aromobates nocturnus) gives off a strong odor and the family name is derived from the Greek "aroma," meaning smell, spice, or fragrant odor. Many, if not all, of these terrestrial frogs show parental care of the eggs and larvae.
Blood Bay Fragrant Frog, Mannophryne olmonae

A female Blood Bay Fragrant Frog, Mannophryne olmonae (Hardy, 1983) from northeast Tobago. The frog is known only from the island of Tobago and recent studies suggest it is not conspecific with the Mannophryne populations on Trinidad. Adults are in the 25-28 mm range in total body length.

Blood Bay Fragrant Frog, Mannophryne olmonae

A female Blood Bay Fragrant Frog, Mannophryne olmonae (Hardy, 1983) from northeast Tobago. Females have a bright yellow throat, and the species is some times commonly known as "yellow throats."

   
Trinidadian Fragrant Frog, Mannophryne trinitatis

A male Trinidadian Fragrant Frog, Mannophryne trinitatis (Garman, 1887), carrying tadpoles. Arima Valley, Trinidad. This frog is sometimes placed in the genus Colostethus. A terrestrial, diurnal, forest frog that uses stream beds and water seeps. Adult frogs are 25-28 mm, newly transformed individuals are 9-11 mm. Frogs of the genera Colostethus and Mannophryne do not produce skin secretions that are known to be toxic to humans. This frog has also been called the "yellow throated frog."

Trinidadian Fragrant Frog, Mannophryne trinitatis

A male Trinidadian Fragrant Frog, Mannophryne trinitatis (Garman, 1887), calling from a seepage area in Trinidad's Northern Range. Males are normally brown, but turn jet black when they call.

   
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