Poison Dart Frog
Dendrobatidae
Quick answer
Poison dart frogs are small, brightly colored amphibians from the rainforests of Central and South America. Their vivid colors warn predators that they are toxic. The most poisonous species, the golden poison frog, carries enough toxin to be dangerous to humans. They get their toxins from their diet of ants and mites, and frogs raised without those prey are not poisonous. Many live around 10 years.
Poison Dart Frog facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Family Dendrobatidae |
|---|---|
| Diet | Insectivore (ants, mites, termites) |
| Habitat | Tropical rainforest floor of the Americas |
| Lifespan | ~10 years |
| Size | 1.5–6 cm (0.6–2.4 in) |
| Toxin | Skin alkaloids (most species) |
| Conservation status | Varies; many Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Amphibia |
| Order | Anura |
| Family | Dendrobatidae |
Where it lives
The lowland tropical rainforests of South America, especially the Amazon basin.
Colors and toxicity
Poison dart frogs are a classic example of warning coloration: their bright blues, yellows, oranges, and reds tell predators they are dangerous to eat. Toxicity varies widely by species. The golden poison frog of Colombia is one of the most toxic animals on Earth, with skin toxins potent enough to threaten a human.
Diet and the source of their poison
These frogs do not make their poison from scratch. They acquire toxic compounds from the small invertebrates they eat, especially certain ants and mites. Poison dart frogs raised in captivity on a different diet lose their toxicity, which shows how closely their defense is tied to their food.
Behavior and parental care
Despite their toxins, poison dart frogs are attentive parents. Many species carry their tadpoles on their backs to small pools of water in plants, and some females return to feed the tadpoles with unfertilized eggs until they develop.
Conservation
Toxicity and status vary by species. Many poison dart frogs are listed as Least Concern, but several are threatened by deforestation, the pet trade, and the spread of amphibian diseases. Protecting intact rainforest is essential for the most restricted species.
Frequently asked questions about the Poison Dart Frog
Why are poison dart frogs so colorful?
Their bright colors are a warning signal, called aposematism, telling predators that the frogs are toxic and not worth eating.
How poisonous are poison dart frogs?
It varies by species. The golden poison frog is among the most toxic animals on Earth, with enough skin toxin to endanger a human, while many other species are only mildly toxic.
Where do poison dart frogs get their poison?
They get it from their diet of certain ants, mites, and other small invertebrates. Frogs raised in captivity without those prey are not poisonous.
How were they used for darts?
Some Indigenous peoples of Central and South America rubbed blowgun darts on the skin of the most toxic species to make them more effective for hunting, which is how the frogs got their name.
What do poison dart frogs eat?
They eat tiny invertebrates such as ants, termites, and mites. This diet is also the source of the toxins many species store in their skin.
How long do poison dart frogs live?
Many poison dart frogs live around 10 years, and some can live longer in captivity under good conditions.
