Are Pink Frogs Real? 6 Frogs That Are Pink (Updated With FAQs)

Frogs are amphibians, which means they are adapted for life on land and in water. Over the years, frogs have diversified over several genera, each with its respective species, which in turn have their physical characteristics.

Body coloration is one such feature, which varies from species to species and also among individuals, depending on their location and genetics.

Body color may help in camouflaging or also help in signaling, as in the case of the Poison Dart Frogs, whose vibrant contrasting colorations help to warn predators.

In today’s article, our primary focus is on Pink Frogs, which we will be discussing vividly under the topic, Are Pink Frogs Real?

Are Pink Frogs Real?

pink frog
Pink Frog

Yes, Pink Frogs do exist in the world, though their numbers are really small and are continuously on the decline. However, there aren’t any frogs that are completely pink in color.

The pink coloration may be on some parts of their bodies, like the limbs, the chest, or the belly, or in combination with other dominant colors. In conclusion, pure pink frogs do not exist in the world. The above image was created by AI. 

It’s worth noting that not all of these species are true “frogs”, but they are often referred to as such. Additionally, the coloration of some of these species may not always be consistently pink and may vary based on factors such as age, sex, and environment.


6 Frogs That Are Pink

1) Purple Harlequin Toad

  • Scientific name: Atelopus barbotini
  • Size: 2.5-3.5 centimeters
  • Location: Central French Guiana

The Purple Harlequin Toad still creates confusion among researchers as to whether they are a separate species or conspecific with other species on this list, like the Cayenne Stubfoot Frog and the Pebas Stubfoot Toad. 

The dorsal region is black or deep purplish-black, with contrasting bright pink etchings. The ventral side, especially the throat, chest, or belly regions, displays a vibrant pink coloration.

The wild population is on a sharp decline due to a deadly fungus, the Chytrid Fungus, and no population numbers exist, as the IUCN still denies this to be a separate species on in own.


2) Pebas Stubfoot Toad

  • Scientific name: Atelopus spumarius
  • Size: 3-4 centimeters
  • Location: Amazon Basin, like Peru, Colombia, and Brazil

The Pebas Stubfoot Toad is quite a small amphibian whose body is quite unusually flat. 

The dorsal region of the body has a beautiful net-like pattern, with colors extending from a pattern of green and brown to pink and brown. The ventral region, especially the posterior belly and the limbs, exhibits a vibrant pink color.

The IUCN lists this species under the category, Vulnerable, and like many other Atelopus species that have gone extinct, it won’t be too long till we see the Pebas Stubfoot Toad also on that list.


3) Pine Woods Treefrog

  • Scientific name: Hyla femoralis
  • Size: 1.0-1.5 inches
  • Location: Southeastern United States

The Pine Woods Treefrog is one of the smallest frog species that go around by the name of “morse code” due to their unique calls. Their dorsal body color is brownish and may extend to grey, and they have darker blotches on their backs. 

The sides and the dorsal region are pink, especially the external vocal sac of males. Pine Woods Treefrogs get their name from their habit of taking shelter on pine leaves, especially longleaf pines. They primarily feed on insects like wasps, flies, and many others.


4) Central Coast Stubfoot Toad

  • Scientific name: Atelopus franciscus
  • Size: 21-35mm
  • Location: Coastal regions of French Guinea

In the fourth position on this list of Pink Frogs, we have the Central Coastal Stubfoot Toad. To talk about the coloration, the dorsal side is grey, while the ventral region, housing the chest and abdomen, is bright pink, including the undersides of the limbs.

The absence of an external vocal sac, a characteristic feature of frogs, is absent in this species. As a result, they can produce sounds having very low intensities that are meant for short distances rather than long.

The IUCN currently lists this species as Vulnerable and might be wiped off the face of the earth without proper conservation methods.


5) Upper Amazon Stubfoot Toad

  • Scientific name: Atelopus seminiferus
  • Size: 4 centimeters
  • Location: Peru

The Upper Amazon Stubfoot Toad is a frog species of South America that is currently endangered, with the blade of extinction hanging over its head.

Upper Amazon Stubfoots have two quite contrasting colorsthe dorsal side of their bodies being dark brown, while the ventral side is bright pink.

Habitat loss is one of the primary reasons for them being critically endangered, and it’s high time that we put a check on our activities, as the day isn’t far when their croaking calls will just remain in the pages of history.


6) Lipstick False Dart Frog

  • Scientific name: Pseudodendrobate americanus
  • Size: 2 inches
  • Location: Coastal regions of French Guinea

The last frog on this list of Pink Frogs is the Lipstick False Dart Frog. Well, let us first talk about this frog’s name. The term ‘false’ refers to the mimicry that this frog shows with the Poison Dart Frog.

Despite being a lookalike, Lipstick’s false Dart Frogs are not poisonous. Though the colors may be pink and black, not exactly similar to the poison dart frogs, the appearance is enough to fool the predators.

In addition, the color pink also serves to be a warning signal to predators. Lipstick Dart Frogs feed on insects like butterflies, ants, beetles, and even termites.

Now, we come to the end of our article, 5+ Frogs That Are Pink. Hope you have enjoyed it. We have articles on a broad spectrum of topics on our website, so please check them out. We will be back soon; until then, Goodbye.


Frequently Asked Questions:

Ans. There are a total of 6 frog species that are pink in color. Their names are Purple Harlequin Toad, Pebas Stubfoot Toad, Pine Woods Treefrog, Central Coast Stubfoot Toad, Upper Amazon Stubfoot Toad, and Lipstick False Dart Frog.

Q2. Does pink frogs exist?

Ans. Yes, pink frogs exist on Earth. Some of the pink frogs are Lipstick False Dart Frogs, Central Coast Stubfoot Toads, and Purple Harlequin Toad.

Q3. What colors are rare frogs?

Ans. According to postcrescent, blue color in frogs is extremely rare. Even pink color is also uncommon in frogs.

Q4. What is the cutest frog?

Ans. The red-eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas) is considered to be the cutest frog in the world.

Q5. What is the rarest frog in the US?

Ans. Mississippi Gopher Frog (Lithobates sevosus) is considered to be the rarest frog in the US,

Q6. Do rainbow frogs exist?

Ans. Frogs with all seven rainbow colors do not exist. However, there is a beautiful frog named the Malagasy rainbow frog (Scaphiophryne gottlebei) that has 3 to 4 different types of hues.

  • Florida Museum – Pinewoods Treefrog
  • Amphibian Rescue – Pebas Stubfoot Toad

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