# Golfodulcean poison frog (*Phyllobates vittatus*) The Golfodulcean poison frog is a tiny, colorful frog that lives in the forests of Central America. Its bright colors warn other animals that it is very poisonous, helping it stay safe in the wild. - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Rare - **Danger:** 5/5 · Extreme - **Habitat:** Forests ![Golfodulcean poison frog](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/D%C3%A4hlh%C3%B6lzli_-_Gestreifter_Blattsteiger_1.jpg&width=800) Photo: No machine-readable author provided. RicciSpeziari~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:D%C3%A4hlh%C3%B6lzli_-_Gestreifter_Blattsteiger_1.jpg) ## Appearance The Golfodulcean poison frog has a striking black body with two bold, bright yellow or orange stripes running down its back. Its small size, typically under 4 centimeters, makes these vibrant markings stand out against the dark skin. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Anura - **Family:** Dendrobatidae - **Genus:** Phyllobates ## Interesting facts - Its name comes from Golfo Dulce, a unique bay in Costa Rica! - Male frogs are devoted dads, guarding eggs and carrying tadpoles to water. - Scientists study its toxins hoping to discover new life-saving medicines! - This frog doesn't make its own poison; it gets it from its food! ## Special abilities - **Toxic Skin Shield:** Golfodulcean poison frog has extremely potent skin toxins that help them deter predators from trying to eat them. - **Dietary Defense:** Golfodulcean poison frog can turn poisons from its insect diet into its own powerful skin toxins for protection. - **Warning Colors:** Golfodulcean poison frog has vibrant stripes that act as a visual warning, telling predators 'I am poisonous!' - **Parental Taxi Service:** Golfodulcean poison frog males carry their tadpoles on their backs to safety, protecting them on their journey to water. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 2.5-3.5 cm - **Weight:** 0.002-0.005 kg - **Lifespan:** 5-10 years - **Speed:** 0.5 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 3-10 - **Metamorphosis:** 60-90 days ## Diet & Feeding This frog loves to snack on tiny insects and other small critters found in the rainforest! - **Primary Foods:** Ants, Mites, Small beetles, Springtails - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** Leafcutter Ant (*Atta cephalotes*) — Eats these ants to acquire its powerful skin toxins. - **Hunts:** [Ant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/ant) (*Acromyrmex octospinosus*) — Feeds on various ant species to obtain its potent toxins. - **Eaten by:** Banded Cat-eyed Snake (*Leptodeira annulata*) — Some snakes can tolerate its toxins and may try to hunt it. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Poisonous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/poisonous): Poisonous organisms produce toxins that can cause harm when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through contact. - [Venomous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/venomous): Venomous organisms produce toxins that are injected into another animal, typically through a bite or sting. - [Endangered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/endangered): Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. ## Collections - [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 5/5 · Extreme Never touch wild frogs, as some can be very poisonous. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Golfodulcean poison frog? Check the toe pads, leg length, eye markings, back pattern and body shape. Don't lean on color: some frogs change shade to match their surroundings. Frog Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Golfodulcean poison frog? 2.5-3.5 cm ### How much does Golfodulcean poison frog weigh? 0.002-0.005 kg ### How long does Golfodulcean poison frog live? 5-10 years ### How fast can Golfodulcean poison frog move? 0.5 km/h ### What does Golfodulcean poison frog eat? This frog loves to snack on tiny insects and other small critters found in the rainforest! ### Where is Golfodulcean poison frog usually found? Forests ### How does Golfodulcean poison frog hunt? Foraging ## More Amphibians - [Eastern Red-backed Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-red-backed-salamander) (*Plethodon cinereus*) - [California Slender Salamander](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-slender-salamander) (*Batrachoseps attenuatus*) - [Cuban Tree Frog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cuban-tree-frog) (*Osteopilus septentrionalis*) - [European Toad](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-toad) (*Bufo bufo*) --- Source: [Golfodulcean poison frog: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/golfodulcean-poison-frog)