Scientists find rare mutated frog - and it's blue!

Scientists find rare mutated frog – and it’s blue!
July 9, 2024

Imma Perfetto
Cosmos science journalist


In a “once-in-a-lifetime” encounter, scientists have spotted an extremely rare bright blue Magnificent Tree Frog (Litoria splendida) at a remote wildlife sanctuary in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.

Normally, these frogs are green with white or yellow spots across its back, a white belly, and bright yellow or orange armpits, groin, and backs of thighs.



Magnificent Tree Frog (Litoria splendida) with axanthism. Credit: J Barker/AWC


The scientists from the Australian Wildlife Conservancy believe this is the first recorded instance of a blue colour mutation in the Magnificent Tree Frog.

The abnormal colouration, known as axanthism, is caused by a mutation that interferes with the frog’s ability to produce yellow pigment.

More:
https://cosmosmagazine.com/nature/animals/scientists-find-rare-mutated-frog-and-its-blue/