Despite its common name, the Panamanian golden frog is a true toad, a member of the family Bufonidae. It was first described as a subspecies of Atelopus varius, but is now classified as a separate species. The Panamanian golden frog is a national symbol and is considered to be one of the most beautiful frogs in Panama. The skin colour ranges from light yellow-green to bright gold, with some individuals exhibiting black spots on their backs and legs.
The lifespan of the Panamanian golden frog is 12 years. This toad is unusual in the fact that it communicates by a form of semaphore, waving at rivals and prospective mates, in addition to the sounds more usual among frogs. This adaptation is thought to have evoled im the Panamanian golden frog because of the noise of he fast-moving streams which formed its namtural habitat. The male tends to stay near the streams where breeding occurs. while in the nonbreeding season, the female retreats into the forests. The male uses a soft call to entice prospective mates, then grabsthe female and hangs on when she crosses his path. If she is receptive, she will a tolerate amplexus. If not, she will attemptto buck him off by arching her spine. Amplexus can lasst from few days to a few months, with oviposition usually taking place in a shallow stream.
