rushin-bushin's Favorites

Formerly Helix mazzullii. Colomba, Gregorini, Liberto, Reitano, Giglio & Sparacio, 2011. Monographic revision of the endemic Helix mazzullii De Cristofori & Jan, 1832 complex from Sicily and re-introduction of the genus Erctella Monterosato, 1894 (Pulmonata, Stylommatophora, Helicidae). Zootaxa 3134: 1-42.

This pair of now extinct Golden Toads was photographed at the entrance to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve where they were kept for visitors to the park to see since their observance in the wild was limited to only a few days a year during the onset of their breeding season (late May & early June). This species is sexually dimorphic, the males are bright orange or yellow and females are dark brown with red spots.

Date is approximate. 3 individuals (2 males & 1 female) seen sometime in April, 1987. My mother and father (@dmpeterson ) were living in Monteverde in the spring of 1987, staying with the Gavin family. I have been digitizing their old slides, and thought these ones were significant, so I uploaded them. The date and location are approximate, based on their best recollection.