The morphology of dermal chromatophores in the infrared-reflecting glass-frog Centrolenella fleischmanni.

The morphology and organization of chromatophores in the neotropical glass-frog, Centrolenella fleischmanni (family Centrolenidae), were studied with both light and electron microscopes. Four types of pigment cells are described in the dorsal skin. The fine structure of two chromatophores corresponds to the typical amphibian xanthophore and iridophore; one is similar to the unusual melanophore found in phyllomedusine hylids; the fourth cell type is unlike any chromatophore previously described. Pigment granules in the unusual chromatophore are moderately electron-dense and have an irregular shape, suggesting a fluid composition. This pigment appears to be laid down in organelles similar in appearance to pterinosomes. The organization of pigment cells in this species differs from that of other green, leaf-sitting frogs in that there are few discrete groups resembling "dermal chromatophore units." It is suggested that the unusual new pigment cell contributes significantly to the overall green color of C. fleischmanni.