Green poison dart frogs (Dendrobates auratus) belong to a family of frogs that includes the world's most poisonous amphibians. The green poison dart frog is a vibrantly colored frog, with distinct black and green patterns (although the green color can vary quite a bit, ranging from golden to blue). This brilliant coloration pattern serves as a visual warning sign to predators who cross paths with this poisonous amphibian.
Green poison dart frogs live in the rainforests of Central and South America and were introduced in Hawaii by humans. Males are territorial and fight to establish their home territory for a mating season. Females lay up to six eggs in a small pool of water and they leave the males to look after the eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the male carries the tadpoles on his back and deposits them in a pond or stream where they develop to maturity on their own (Source: Schafer).
- Body Length:
- Diet: spiders, ants, termites
- Breeding Season:
Classification:
Range and Habitat:
Central and South America, including Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Boliva. Introduced to Hawaii. Rainforests. Usually found on forest floor.
References:
- Burnie D, Wilson DE. 2001. Animal. London: Dorling Kindersley. 624 p.
- Schafer R. 1999. Dendrobates auratus, Animal Diversity Web. March 21, 2006.
