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Yellow-headed Poison Dart Frog

Dendrobates leucomelas

The Yellow-headed Poison Dart Frog is a bright and colorful little frog found in the rainforests of South America. Its vibrant yellow head and black body help it stand out in the lush greenery.

Habitat: Rainforests

Appearance

The Yellow-headed Poison Dart Frog has a striking appearance with a bright yellow head and body, distinctly marked with bold black bands or spots. Its smooth, moist skin shines, highlighting its small, compact form, which is quite different from duller forest frogs.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAmphibiaOrderAnuraFamilyDendrobatidaeGenusDendrobates
Yellow-headed Poison Dart Frog
solitary trait badgecolorful trait badgeinsectivorous trait badgerainforest trait badge
Yellow-headed Poison Dart Frog

Category

Amphibians

Rarity

Common

Danger

5/5 · Extreme

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Despite being frogs, they prefer walking slowly on the forest floor rather than leaping far distances!

Indigenous people used the wild frog's potent skin secretions to tip their hunting darts!

Male dart frogs are amazing dads, carrying their tiny tadpoles on their backs to new pools!

Wild dart frogs get their poison from tiny insects, so captive ones aren't toxic!

Special abilities

Ability

Warning Colors

Yellow-headed Poison Dart Frog has vivid yellow and black patterns that serve as a clear 'stay away' sign to hungry animals.

Ability

Tadpole Taxi

Yellow-headed Poison Dart Frog males can carry their tadpoles on their back, transporting them to safer, watery nurseries.

Ability

Dietary Defense

Yellow-headed Poison Dart Frog can convert toxins from the tiny ants and mites they eat into their own skin poison.

Measurements & details

Length
3-4 cm
Weight
0.003-0.005 kg
Lifespan
5-10 years
Top Speed
1.5 km/h
Clutch Size
2-12
Metamorphosis
70-90 days

Diet & Feeding

They munch on tiny insects and mites found in the rainforest!

Age differences: Tadpoles eat algae and detritus in the water, while adult frogs hunt insects on land.

Primary Foods

  • Ants
  • Mites
  • Termites
  • Small Beetles

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Big-headed Ant

Pheidole megacephala

A primary source of the frog's skin toxins.

eaten by

False Coral Snake

Erythrolamprus bizonus

One of the few predators tolerant of some toxins.

depends on

Parrot's Beak Heliconia

Heliconia psittacorum

Leaf axils provide sheltered, temporary water pools.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

5/5 · Extreme

Look but don't touch! These frogs are special and can be harmful if handled.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Yellow-headed Poison Dart Frog?

3-4 cm

How much does Yellow-headed Poison Dart Frog weigh?

0.003-0.005 kg

How long does Yellow-headed Poison Dart Frog live?

5-10 years

How fast can Yellow-headed Poison Dart Frog move?

1.5 km/h

What does Yellow-headed Poison Dart Frog eat?

They munch on tiny insects and mites found in the rainforest!

Where is Yellow-headed Poison Dart Frog usually found?

Rainforests

How does Yellow-headed Poison Dart Frog hunt?

Foraging

How many eggs does Yellow-headed Poison Dart Frog lay?

2-12

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