Raising a Poison Dart Frog

The little, vividly colored, poisonous frogs known as poison dart frogs are native to Central and South America. These frogs are visually arresting due to their varied coloration and patterning, which can include reds, blues, yellows, and other hues. They were given the moniker "poison dart frog" because natives would utilize the frogs' poisonous secretions to taint the ends of blowdarts used in hunting. The poison dart frog is highly deadly; therefore its brilliant colors serve as a warning to would-be predators.
These frogs get their poisonous properties from the ants, mites, and other tiny invertebrates they eat in the environment. It is hypothesized that captivity and nutrition changes can turn some poison dart frogs less poisonous.
- Despite their diminutive size, poison dart frogs are regarded some of the most dangerous animals in the world. When consumed or coming into touch with open wounds or mucous membranes, the toxic secretions of certain species of poison dart frogs can be fatal to predators or people. The poisonous secretions of these frogs have long been employed by indigenous inhabitants of Central and South America to poison blowdarts used in the hunt.
Poison dart frogs lose their toxicity in captivity because they are no longer fed the diet that naturally contains the chemicals responsible for the toxicity. Toxic when wild-caught, poison dart frogs are popular in the exotic pet trade because of their unique look and easy care requirements.