Lithodytes is a genus of frogs in the family of Leptodactylidae. It is monotypic, being represented by the single species, Lithodytes lineatus, also commonly known as the gold-striped frog or painted antnest frog. It is found in tropical South America where it lives in humid forests among the leaf litter. These frogs build foam nests at the edge of temporary pools, and the tadpoles develop within these. The frogs also associate with certain leafcutter ants (Atta cephalotes) and breed inside their nests without being attacked by the ants. Description The female Lithodytes lineatus grows to a length ranging from , and the male is slightly smaller. It has a slender body and blunt snout. The overall color is black apart from a pair of yellow lateral stripes running from the snout to the groin, where there is a red or orange patch. The limbs are brown banded with black. This frog is similar in appearance to the brilliant-thighed poison frog (Allobates femoralis), Ameerega hahneli, and the Amazonian poison-dart frog Ameerega picta. By mimicking the appearance of the toxic species, Lithodytes lineatus avoids detection by predators. Development Tadpoles of this species are bright pink in color, with the color intensity dimming near the tail. They possess translucent pink fins and dark eyes. A distinct white stripe runs down the middle of the back. Tadpoles remain in compact clusters when swimming. The distal half of the tail moves up and down rapidly to propel the tadpole forward. The presence of keratin jaws is inconsistent, and the anatomy of tooth rows also varies considerably. Distribution and habitat Lithodytes lineatus is native to tropical South America. Its range includes the Orinoco basin and the Amazon basin and it presents in Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil, reaches as far as the state of Tocantins. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, moist savanna, and intermittent freshwater marshes from altitudes ranging from sea level to above sea level. The species can be found below logs, among leaf-litter and in other concealed locations on the forest floor. Conservation This common species of frog has a very wide distribution and is estimated to have a large total population. Its population may be in slight decline because of habitat degradation, but the frog seems to be able to adapt to secondary habitats. It is also present in a number of protected areas,