Poison dart frog

Latin name: Dendrobatidae

Other name/s: Poison Arrow Frogs, Dart-Poison Frogs

Poison Dart Frogs live in the humid rainforests of Central and South America, and they flourish especially in the leaf litter, near streams, within dense plants, in rotting logs and under rocks.

How do they protect themselves?

Poison dart frogs use aposematism to ward off predators and show that they are not fit to eat, and they excrete poisonous toxins through their skin to paralyze or kill predators. So that the frogs don’t get hurt by the toxins, they have grown immune to it over time. This is due to genetic mutations.

How do they hunt?

Poison dart frogs use their keen vision to spot small invertebrates (such as ants, termites and small beetles) crawling about the undergrowth and leaf litter. Then they use their sticky, retractable tongue to catch them and the tongue sticks to them and brings them back to the frogs mouth.

Can they be kept as pets?

Yes, poison dart frogs can be kept as pets due to the fact that their toxicity is due to their wild diet. There are some restrictions in certain areas of the world, so you do need to check the laws of your country. They also shouldnt be handled often because the oils from human skin harm them. They are also small (1-2 inches!) so they can be lost easily. They also need a vivarium with high humidity (70-100%) and live plants, as they absorb moisture through their skin.