# Poison Dart Frog (*Dendrobates tinctorius*) The Poison Dart Frog is a tiny frog that comes in bright colors! These colors warn other animals that they are not safe to touch. - **Category:** [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/amphibian) - **Rarity:** Epic - **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate - **Habitat:** Rainforests - **Also known as:** Blackfoot Poison Dart Frog, Dyeing Poison Dart Frog ![Poison Dart Frog](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424528/objects/5737.jpg) ## Appearance The Poison Dart Frog is brilliantly colored, often showcasing bold patterns of bright blue, yellow, red, or orange contrasting with black markings. Its small, slender body and smooth, moist skin make it visually distinct. These vivid colors act as a clear warning to predators. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Anura - **Family:** Dendrobatidae - **Genus:** Dendrobates ## Interesting facts - Adult frogs often carry their tadpoles to tiny pools of water found high in plants. - Some poison dart frogs are among the most poisonous animals on Earth! - These amazing frogs get their powerful toxins from the specific insects they eat, not by making it themselves! - Unlike most frogs, many poison dart frogs are active during the day, showing off their bright colors. ## Special abilities - **Toxic Touch:** Poison Dart Frogs have potent toxins on their skin that helps them deter predators from trying to eat them. - **Color Warning:** Poison Dart Frogs have extremely bright colors that helps them warn predators they are dangerous to touch. - **Back-Riding Babies:** Poison Dart Frogs can carry tadpoles on their backs that helps them transport their young to safe water sources. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 3.5-6 cm - **Weight:** 0.002-0.008 kg - **Lifespan:** 3-10 years - **Speed:** 0.5 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 2-15 - **Metamorphosis:** 45-90 days ## Diet & Feeding Tiny terrors of the insect world, these frogs munch on small bugs found on the forest floor. - **Age differences:** Tadpoles are omnivores, eating algae and detritus, while adult frogs primarily hunt small insects. - **Primary Foods:** Ants, Termites, Small beetles, Mites, Tiny flies - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Ecuadorian Ground Snake (*Leimadophis epinephelus*) — This snake is one of the few predators resistant to frog toxins. - **Eats:** Leaf-cutter Ant (*Atta cephalotes*) — The frog consumes these ants, acquiring some of its powerful toxins. - **Eats:** Conehead Termite (*Nasutitermes corniger*) — These termites are a common food source for the dart frog. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [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. - [Freshwater](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/freshwater): Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species. - [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. ## Collections - [Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/amphibians) - [Reptiles & Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles-and-amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Poison Dart 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 Poison Dart Frog? 3.5-6 cm ### How much does Poison Dart Frog weigh? 0.002-0.008 kg ### How long does Poison Dart Frog live? 3-10 years ### How fast can Poison Dart Frog move? 0.5 km/h ### What does Poison Dart Frog eat? Tiny terrors of the insect world, these frogs munch on small bugs found on the forest floor. ### Where is Poison Dart Frog usually found? Rainforests ### How does Poison Dart Frog hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Prospect Park Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/prospect-park-zoo) — New York, US · Zoo - [Greater Cleveland Aquarium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/greater-cleveland-aquarium) — Ohio, US · Zoo ## 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: [Poison Dart Frog: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/poison-dart-frog)