Brachycephalus mariaeterezae is a species of frog in the family Brachycephalidae. It is very tiny and was one of seven new species described by LF Ribeiro and a team of scientists from the Mater Natura - Instituto de Estudos Ambientais in Brazil. Like all species in its genus, it is found in a very small strip of Atlantic Forest in the southeastern coast of the country, and has a vibrant colour pattern.[1] The speciation seen in this genus is thought to be a byproduct of the rift between the valley versus mountain terrain and its particular microclimates, to which they are adapted. It might be in population decline due to habitat loss.[2] Its name honours Maria Tereza Jorge Pádua, a Brazilian environmentalist.
It is distinguished from its cogenerate species by having a robust body, bufoniform, its adult length measuring between 10.4mm13.4mm, and a rough dorsum. It has a yellowish background colour, and possesses small brown spots, particularly on the sides of the body and belly and a prominent irregular light-blue stripe on the dorsum of the head and its body (all along the back); it also has small dark spots distributed irregularly throughout its arms and legs; the skin on its dorsum shows no dermal co-ossification.
The species is known only from its type locality, specifically at the Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Caetezal, located in the top of the Serra Queimada, State of Santa Catarina.