ISTHMIAN CENTRAL AMERICAN FROGS WITH DIFFERENT BIOFLUORESCENCE PATTERNS

Abstract

 Biofluorescence is the fluorescent glow in blue, green, and red colors that organisms emit when exposed to blue or ultra-violet light. This phenomenon has been documented in different animal groups, the most recent finding being in amphibians. The function of biofluorescence in amphibians is still unknown, although it is hypothesized that it may be associated with sexual selection, communication, and visual acuity. In this work, we described the biofluorescence patterns for six species of anurans occurring in Isthmian Central America. Likewise, five species that did not react with fluorescence to the stimulus of blue light are also mentioned. Because in some works there are inconsistencies regarding the presence or absence of biofluorescence between species, we recommend the use of blue light of 440–460 nm and a yellow #12 filter, which have been successfully tested for the detection of biofluorescence in amphibians.