# Hylodes regius

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***Hylodes regius***, also known as the **royal tree toad**, is a species of [frog](/source/Frog) in the family [Hylodidae](/source/Hylodidae).[1][2][3] The [specific name](/source/Specific_name_(zoology)) *regius* is not explained in the original [species description](/source/Species_description) but probably refers to the yellow and purple-red (colors with royal associations) markings in male *Hylodes regius*.[4] It is [endemic](/source/Endemism) to the [Itatiaia Mountains](/source/Mantiqueira_Mountains) in [Minas Gerais](/source/Minas_Gerais), [Brazil](/source/Brazil).[1][2] After more than three decades without observations, it was detected again in 2012.[1][4]

## Description

Adult males measure 33-36 mm in 1 in [snout–vent length](/source/Snout%E2%80%93vent_length). There are two distinct color morphs of adult males: a greenish brown or greenish black dorsal coloration, both with scattered golden yellow blotches and white dots that form oblique lateral stripes; the blotches and dots are also present on the dorsal faces of the fore and hind limbs. The ventral faces of the arms, tibiae, and thighs, as well as the concealed dorsal surfaces of tarsi and feet, are vivid purple-red. Ventral surfaces are peppered with well-defined white spots. The belly is red.[4]

Males emit both [advertisement calls](/source/Sexual_selection_in_amphibians#Vocal_signaling_in_frogs) and territorial calls. Calling takes place during the day.[4]

A [Gosner stage](/source/Gosner_stage) 35 [tadpole](/source/Tadpole) measured 52 mm (2.0 in) in total length and 19 mm (0.75 in) body length.[4]

## Distribution and habitat

The known distribution of *Hylodes regius* is restricted to a single valley in the Itatiaia Mountains that is contained within the [Itatiaia National Park](/source/Itatiaia_National_Park). It occurs in primary forest in and around streams at elevations of 1,850–2,100 m (6,070–6,890 ft) [above sea level](/source/Above_sea_level).[1] Males can be found calling between rocks, on the ground, and perched on shrubs.[4]

## Conservation

The known range of this species is all within the Itatiaia National Park. However, total population size is considered to be very small, below 50 adults. Furthermore, *Hylodes* [tadpoles](/source/Tadpole) are often susceptible to *[Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis](/source/Batrachochytrium_dendrobatidis)*, and there is circumstantial evidence that *Hylodes regius* tadpoles have also been affected. Climate change is projected to degrade the high-elevation forest habitat of this species. It is also threatened by dumping of waste to the streams that it lives in.[1]

## References

1. IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group. & Instituto Boitatá de Etnobiologia e Conservação da Fauna. (2023). "*Hylodes regius*". Vol. 2023. [doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2023-1.RLTS.T57101A172224179.en](https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2023-1.RLTS.T57101A172224179.en). Retrieved 29 September 2024.

1. Frost, Darrel R. (2024). ["*Hylodes regius* Gouvêa, 1979"](https://amphibiansoftheworld.amnh.org/Amphibia/Anura/Hylodidae/Hylodes/Hylodes-regius). *Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.2*. American Museum of Natural History. [doi:10.5531/db.vz.0001](https://doi.org/10.5531/db.vz.0001). Retrieved 29 September 2024.

1. de Sá, Fábio P.; Lyra, Mariana L.; & Haddad, Célio F. B. (2020). ["The rediscovery of *Hylodes regius*: new information about a rare and microendemic Atlantic rainforest Torrent frog"](https://www.salamandra-journal.com/index.php/contents/2020-vol-56/1991-de-sa-f-p-m-l-lyra-c-f-b-haddad). *Salamandra*. **56** (4): 285–295.

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