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Poisonous Frogs

Posted in: Environment
By Victoria
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Poisonous Frogs

Are you lonely? Are you tired of waking up without someone by your side? Are you still looking for your prince charming? Well if you are, I wouldn’t suggest kissing just any random frog to find him! You may kiss a killer and be none the wiser.

The most beautiful frogs seem to be the most poisonous. Ironic, right? Their bright and unique colors are defiantly deceiving. Next time you take a stroll through the park, be on the look-out for the following frogs. You may not want to chase after them all.

Black-Legged Dart Frog:

Also known as Phyllobates Bicolor, this is the second most toxic, wild poisonous dart frog. It is one of few frogs known to have caused human fatalities. Merely 150 micrograms of their poison is enough to kill a fully grown man. This species is named after its yellow or orange body with complementary black or dark blue hind legs and forelimbs.

Blue Poison Dart Frog:

Also known as Dendrobates Tinctorius "Azureus", this frog is a mainland animal but typically stays close to a water source. They can be found in forests in Brazil. This frog paralyzes their prey, sometimes killing it. This medium sized frog is named after its bright blue skin that serves as a warning for predators.

Corroboree Frog:

Also known as Pseudophyrne Pengilleyi, this is a very unique frog. It is the first species found to produce its own poison, unlike most who obtain it via diet. These frogs also do not reproduce until they reach four years of age. There has recently been a decline in this species. They are currently one of Australia’s most endangered species. This smaller frog is known for its narrow yellow stripes on a black body.

Dyeing Dart Frog:

Also known as the Dendrobates Tinctorius, this frog is only mildly toxic. Its toxins are used mainly for self-defense. This frog is found in varied parts of South America. This larger poison dart frog typically has a black body with an irregular pattern of yellow or white stripes. However, different morphs of this species have different colors and patterns. For instance, they are also known to have a primarily blue, yellow or white body with either blue, yellow, white, or black markings.

Golden Poisonous Dart Frog:

Also known as Phyllobates Terribilis, this is considered one of the most intelligent amphibians. The ideal habitat for this frog is a Columbian rainforest with high rain rates. This species is named after its pale yellow to deep golden colored body. However, there are different morphs of this species. This frog is known to have a green or orange body, as well.

Splash-Backed Poison Frog:

Also known as Ranitomeya Variabilis, these frogs are natives of Ecuador and Columbia. Here they are found in tropical or subtropical areas of lowland. This medium sized frog is primarily active in the early morning and late afternoon. This species is named for the bright yellow, red, or orange "paint-splatter" pattern on its primarily black body.

Strawberry Poison Dart Frog:

Also known as Oophaga Pumilio, this frog is typically found in humid lowlands. They are natives to countries in Central America, such as Costa Rica and Panama. This frog is most famous for its extensive variety of colors and color patterns. However, this species is named for its most common appearance: a red body, resembling a strawberry. Okay, so maybe you won’t see these frogs in your own backyard. Luckily for us, most poisonous frogs are not found in North America. But if you ever decide to travel abroad to a tropical rainforest, you might want to take this list with you!

FUN FACTS:

• Captive dart frogs are not poisonous. • Dart frogs become poisonous by the food they intake. • Most dart frogs use their poison as mere self-defense. • Poison is found in the frogs’ skin. • Natives use the poison from the frogs’ skin to hunt by coating their spears and darts with the poison.  
10 years ago
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