a family of salientians. The verte-brae are procoelous, and the right and left halves of the shoulder girdle are partially or completely fused together. Most species do not exceed a length of 4 cm. Brachycephalids are found in Central and South America, living on the ground or in trees. There are three subfamilies—Rhinodermatinae, Dendrobatinea, and Brachycephalinae. The last comprises four genera, which are distinguished by the absence of the presternum. The genus Atelopus is widely distributed in South and Central America and consists of 26 species. Members of the genus are known for their diverse variegated warning coloration. The secretions of the cutaneous glands of these frogs are extremely toxic.