Abstract

Aposematic coloration plays an important role for species, as it serves as a clear signal of danger to visually-oriented predators regarding the potential toxicity of individuals displaying this condition. However, considerable gaps remain on this subject, and, primarily, empirical data are lacking to support robust discussions on the topic. The harlequin frog Atelopus hoogmoedi exhibits a range of aposematic colors across different populations, yet we still do not know how this characteristic was selected throughout evolution nor what the impacts of this characteristic are on the species' biology, ecology, and behavior. Considering that this topic deserves further in-depth studies, particularly due to being one of the most threatened groups of vertebrates and still lacking research, we present possible insights to guide future investigations on this subject.