Dyeing Poison Dart Frog 

Dendrobates tinctorius 

Habitat & Distribution :  South America

Diet : Insects

Size : 3,5-5 cm

Lifespan: 10 years

Descripstion

This frog is a morph of the common poison dart frog species (Dendrobates tinctorius). Typically, the body is primarily black, with an irregular pattern of yellow or white stripes running along the back, flanks, chest, head, and belly. Males are typically smaller and more slender than females, but they have larger toe discs. The toe discs of female dyeing poison dart frogs are circular while those of the males are heart-shaped. 

Behavior

The Poison Dart Frog displays aposematic coloration meaning that its bright coloration acts as a warning to potential predators that it is toxic. In fact, its skin is covered with glands that secrete alkaloid toxins called Pumilliotoxins capable of paralyzing, even killing predators. 

Reproduction

The dyeing poison dart frog breeds seasonally, usually during February or March when the weather is rainy. To find mates, the males sit on a rock and produce quiet calls, which the females follow to track down the males. The males take care of the eggs. 

Communication & Perception

Similar to other Dart frogs, they communicate primarily through specialized acoustic calls, visual displays, and tactile cues to establish territories, attract mates, and express distress. Males use vocal sacs to produce species-specific buzzing or chirping calls. 

Predator(s)

Fire-bellied Snake

Conservation Status : Least Concern/ Appendix II