Blue & Black Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobatidae)

 

 

The Blue and Black Poison Dart Frog is found in the tropical forests of Costa Rica to Brazil.   Part of the Dendrobatidae family, these frogs have an array of elaborate colors and designs to ward off potential predators, referred to as aposematic coloration.   The blue and black frogs are just that…an elaborate design of blue and black.   They are highly toxic.

Scientists are unsure of the source of poison dart frogs’ toxicity, but it is possible they assimilate plant poisons which are carried by their prey, including ants, termites and beetles. Poison dart frogs raised in captivity and isolated from insects in their native habitat never develop venom.

Most of this species of frogs are unique and extraordinary parents.   The male frogs will transport their eggs and/or tadpoles on their backs (a process known as “backpacking) to a pool of water.   There they will tend to the clutch, sometimes exclusively.   Females are known to deposit unfertilized eggs in the pool as food for her young and may tend to the clutch as well.

 

Information courtesy of animals.nationalgeographic.com

Photo courtesy of foodofeye.blogspot.com