Range: This species is native to Northern South America, such as Guyana, Suriname, French Guyana and parts of Brazil.
Habitat: Primarily terrestrial (ground-dwelling) and may be encountered along waterways in dense vegetation throughout its range.
Description: This species is polymorphic due to its wide distribution. Individuals from the same region may also show extreme color and size variability. Common colors tend to be yellows, blues and black with some individuals displaying only 1 or 2 of those colors.
Adaptations/Habitat: Poison dart frogs are known for secreting highly toxic substances from their skin. This is done usually in response to stress from a predator or some other stimulus. The skin secretions may also function as a type of biocide, which may protect the frog from various forms of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungus and viruses. The origin of the various toxins secreted by dart frogs are not synthesized by the frogs, but probably acquired from prey species. Prey such as ants, beetles and some millipedes contain components of the poison dart frog toxins.
Breeding/Growth: Most dart frogs lay their eggs on plant leaves, such as bromeliads. When the tadpole is ready to leave the egg, the adult male dart frog usually moves the tadpole to a suitable water source.
Diet: Dart frogs feed primarily on small invertebrates which they catch with their tongue. The most important sense a dart frog relies on is vision.
Exhibit: Aquarium Complex
Notes: These frogs are so colorful and bright because they are advertising to potential predators that they are toxic and potentially a risky food item. This is known as an aposematic coloration pattern.
