# Oophaga lehmanni

The Oophaga lehmanni, also known as Lehmann's poison frog, is a small, colorful frog found in Central America. It has bright colors that warn predators to stay away!

- **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian)
- **Rarity:** Rare
- **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate
- **Habitat:** Rainforests
- **Also known as:** Lehmann's poison frog

![Oophaga lehmanni](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Oophaga_lehmanni_27154022_%28cropped%29.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Roger Franco Molina, CC BY 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Oophaga_lehmanni_27154022_%28cropped%29.jpg)

## Appearance

The Oophaga lehmanni is a tiny, vividly colored frog, displaying striking black bands or spots against a background of bright red, orange, or yellow. Its smooth, moist skin often shimmers, making its intense coloration stand out from other rainforest amphibians.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Amphibia
- **Order:** Anura
- **Family:** Dendrobatidae
- **Genus:** Oophaga

## Interesting facts

- A mother frog carries her tadpoles one by one on her back to tiny pools in plants!
- Lehmann's poison frog is so rare, it was once thought to be completely extinct!
- Male frogs call out with unique chirps and trills to attract a mate in the dense forest!
- This frog is a super picky eater, only finding its toxins from specific ants and mites!

## Special abilities

- **Toxic Touch:** Oophaga lehmanni has extremely potent toxins in its skin that help them deter predators simply by being touched or ingested.
- **Nourishing Nanny:** Oophaga lehmanni mothers feed their tadpoles unfertilized eggs, helping them grow strong without leaving their nursery.
- **Warning Warrior:** Oophaga lehmanni possesses vibrant warning colors that help them signal their toxicity to potential threats.

## Measurements & details

- **Length:** 2-3 cm
- **Weight:** 0.001-0.003 kg
- **Lifespan:** 5-10 years
- **Clutch Size:** 1-6
- **Metamorphosis:** 45-70 days

## Diet & Feeding

This little frog enjoys a steady diet of tiny insects and mites found on the forest floor.

- **Age differences:** Tadpoles are fed unfertilized eggs by their mother until metamorphosis.
- **Primary Foods:** Ants, Mites, Small beetles, Springtails
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Eats:** Heer's Ant (*Brachymyrmex heeri*) — Hunts and consumes these small ants as a primary food source.
- **Eats:** Tropical Fire Ant (*Solenopsis saevissima*) — Feeds on these ants, acquiring its defensive toxins.
- **Eaten by:** Banded Cat-eyed Snake (*Leptodeira annulata*) — Is occasionally hunted by this snake, despite its toxic defenses.

## 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.
- [Rainforest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/rainforest): This habitat trait refers to species found in tropical rainforests, characterized by high annual rainfall, high biodiversity, and dense tree cover.
- [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.
- [Toxic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/toxic): Toxic organisms contain substances that are poisonous and can cause adverse effects upon exposure.
- [Poisonous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/poisonous): Poisonous organisms produce toxins that can cause harm when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through contact.
- [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:** 3/5 · Moderate

Don't touch frogs in the wild, as some can be poisonous!

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Oophaga lehmanni?

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 Oophaga lehmanni?

2-3 cm

### How much does Oophaga lehmanni weigh?

0.001-0.003 kg

### How long does Oophaga lehmanni live?

5-10 years

### What does Oophaga lehmanni eat?

This little frog enjoys a steady diet of tiny insects and mites found on the forest floor.

### Where is Oophaga lehmanni usually found?

Rainforests

### How does Oophaga lehmanni hunt?

Foraging

### How many eggs does Oophaga lehmanni lay?

1-6

## 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*)

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Source: [Oophaga lehmanni: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/oophaga-lehmanni)