Four-banded Poison Dart Frog

(Dendrobates leucomelas)

There are two yellow and blue poison dart frogs (Dendrobates tinctorius); and four yellow-banded poison dart frogs (Dendrobates leucomelas) at the Zoo.

Animal Facts

Natives living in the habitat of the poison dart frog have been known to use the frog for poison-tipped arrows, where they get their name.

The bright coloring acts as a warning to predators of the poison.

They are diurnal, meaning they are awake during the day.

Diet

Diet includes ants, termites, crickets, small beetles, spiders and occasionally frog tadpoles.

Status in The Wild

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List status

These species are found only in South America. They are poor swimmers and are never found in the water.

The wild population of these species is not known. However, the destruction of rainforest habitat by fires and by humans for farmland has contributed to the decreasing numbers. The illegal pet trade has also negatively impacted their existence.