culpaeus

Culpaeus is a genus of small, often brightly colored frogs belonging to the family Microhylidae. These amphibians are native to the rainforests of Madagascar. The genus currently contains several described species, though taxonomic classifications can sometimes be subject to revision.

Species within the culpaeus genus are generally characterized by their small size, often measuring less than 2.5 centimeters in length. They typically possess smooth skin and a pointed snout. Their coloration can vary widely, with many species exhibiting vibrant patterns of reds, oranges, yellows, and blacks, which can serve as aposematic signals to warn predators of potential toxicity.

These frogs are primarily terrestrial, inhabiting leaf litter and the forest floor. Their diet consists mainly of small invertebrates such as ants, termites, and other insects. During the breeding season, culpaeus frogs are thought to lay their eggs in moist soil or within bromeliads. The tadpoles develop in these small water bodies, a characteristic adaptation for many microhylid frogs.

The conservation status of culpaeus species varies, with some facing threats from habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation in Madagascar. Research into their ecology and behavior is ongoing to better understand and protect these unique amphibians.