Axanthism in amphibians: A review and the first record in the widespread toad of the Bufotes viridis complex (Anura: Bufonidae)

Abstract

Axanthism in amphibians is a relatively rare color aberration reported less often than leucism or albinism. It is caused by lack of specific types of pigment cells in the skin, namely xanthophores, erythrophores, and iridophores. Here, we present the first case of occurrence of this aberration in a widely distributed toad of the green toad ( Bufotes viridis ) complex and provide an extensive review of axanthism occurrence in amphibians. So far it has been reported in more than 20 species from nine families of amphibians with the highest occurrence in the family Ranidae.