The Poison Dart Frog
(Dendrobates auratus)

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Picture of a poison dart frog

 


To hear the call of the Poison Dart Frog, click here




Citation for image: Myers, P., R. Espinosa, C. S. Parr, T. Jones, G. S. Hammond, and T. A. Dewey. 2008, Animal Diversity Web
Physical Description
  • Hawaiian poison-dart frogs are metallic green with brownish-black spots, but globally these frogs can have many color variations.
  • Adults are ~4 cm long (1.6 inches) 
  • Have poison glands throughout body surface; toxins have an odor, are peppery and bitter and can induce vomiting forcing predators to spit out the frog; not poisonous to humans unless ingested 
  • Bright colors and bold contrasting pattern may deter predators that know they are poisonous
  • Diurnal constantly hopping searching for food and taking care of young 
Feeding Behavior
  • Feed on wide variety of small invertebrates, especially ants that have alkaloids in their tissues which frogs sequester in their skin insects
  • Use excellent eyesight and retractable tongue to capture insects 
Why and When Introduced to Hawai'i
  • Natural habitat is Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia 
  • Introduced into Hawaii in 1932 when 206 specimens from Panama were released  in upper Manoa Valley in Oahu to control non-native insects 
  • A few populations persist in mountains and valleys in Oahu 
Life cycle
  • Male frogs attract mates through an elaborate ritual usually during rainy season
  • Females lay up to 6 eggs encased in a gelatinous envelope in a small pool of water; in Hawai'i, often in old cans or broken beer bottles
  • Male periodically checks eggs and after 2 weeks, tadpoles hatch and hitch a ride on the back of males attached by a sticky mucus secretion; male takes them to a stream
  • New toads develop in about 6 weeks to become adult frogs
  • Life span is not known 
Environmental Impact to Hawai'i
The poison-dart frogs were initially introduced to control non-native insects on Oahu but have been found in other islands. They are considered to be in the "least concern" category of endangered species because of their wide global distribution and tolerance to environmental changes. Their toxins have been used to provide poisons by locals in their native habitat and may have medical applications, but their use inmedicine  is still in experimental stages. The impact on Hawai'ian biodiversity is unknown. It has not been determined whether the insects they ingest contribute to endanger- ment of Hawai'ian insects or birds. The fact that the female lays only 6 eggs and are most active during the day when they can be caught by humans may have controlled the population. However, they are entrenched on Oahu.