Size‐dependent colouration balances conspicuous aposematism and camouflage.

This article investigates size-dependent variation in the defensive coloration of the chemically defended gold-striped frog (Lithodytes lineatus, Leptodactylidae) to understand how color and body size influence antipredator strategies. Using visual modeling of predator vision and detection experiments with human participants, the study found that smaller frogs exhibit bright, high-contrast aposematic (warning) coloration, while larger frogs display duller, more cryptic colors suited for camouflage. Although larger frogs are inherently more detectable due to size, their coloration reduces conspicuousness, suggesting a shift from aposematism to camouflage as frogs grow. The research also explores the possibility of size-dependent mimicry with sympatric poison frogs (Dendrobatidae) but concludes that current evidence is insufficient to confirm mimicry, proposing that convergent evolution may better explain color similarities.