Poison Dart Frog Facts: Find Interesting Information About Their Habitat, Diet & More

2010-12-21

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The Poison Dart Frog

Phyllobates terribilis (the most toxic poison dart frog)

Poison dart frogs belong in the Dendrobatidae family and are native to Central and South America. Depending on the frogs habitat, their coloring can vary from a rainbow of colors. Their bright colors are warning signs to other animals that they are poisonous. Some of these tiny frogs have enough venom to kill 10 grown men. Below are more fun and interesting poison dart frog facts.

Description

Body length can range from under 1 inch to 2 1/2 inches. Colors include black, red, blue, green, gold, copper and yellow.

Dendrobates leucomelas (yellow-banded poison dart frog)

Dendrobates auratus (green and black poison dart frog)

Dendrobates tinctorius azureus (blue poison dart frog)

Habitat

Poison dart frogs generally live in tropical rainforests where there is high humidity, dense vegetation and a water source.

Poison

Only three species (all Phyllobates) are considered extremely toxic; the Phyllobates terribilis is the most toxic. In Columbia, the Choco Indians have been applying the poison to the tips of their blowgun darts for centuries when hunting. It can kill a bird almost instantly and take the life of a tiger in 4 to 5 minutes. After removing the dart and surrounding flesh, the Indians would eat the rest of the animal without ill effects.

When stressed, the poison is secreted from the frog’s skin. It can enter the human body via the mouth or an open wound. The poison can cause debilitating hallucinations and affect the heart, which can lead to heart failure. It is not sure where the source of poison comes from but it is believed to come from the prey they eat (actually from plants the prey eats). Poison dart frogs raised in captivity, that do not eat in the wild of their native land, do not possess the poison.

Diet

Poison dart frogs eat mostly small spiders and small insects, including ants, beetles and termites. They use their long sticky tongue to capture their prey.

Reproduction

Mating takes place during the rainy season. Males attract females using vocal sounds. The female lays a few dozen eggs on leaves and the male tends them. In about 2 weeks, the eggs hatch and the tiny tadpoles climb onto the male’s back to be transported to small pools of water. The tadpoles are self-sufficient and become frogs in about 3 months.