CENTRAL / SOUTH AMERICAN POISONOUS FROGS

Dendrobates auratus

Family: Genus: Dendrobates Species: auratus Common Names Green Poison-Arrow Frog , Green and Black Poison-Arrow Frog , Green Poison Frog , Green and Black Poison Frog Countries Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia
	Species Distribution Map	Photo copyright Chris van der Lingen

Taxonomy and Biology

Adult length: 25mm

Description

Dorsal surface is typically green ( yellowish green to bluish green ) and black ( rarely dark blackish brown replaces black and yellowish brown replaces green ) but in some populations are dull to bright blue and black. The pattern usually comprises a pair of broad, irregular and wavy green stripes ( continuous on the snout ) that extend posteriorly but broken by a wavy, green, intersecting, midbody, transverse band resulting in a few large, black, oval shaped spots. Flanks are a continuation of the dorsal pattern with a lower lateral, broad, green wavy stripe usually commencing beneath the eye but interrupted by the green midbody band forming large black oval shaped spots. The remainder of the side of the head around is usually black. Arms and legs are broadly banded with green forming similar large black rounded spots. Head venter is mainly black with a bright chin line or stripe. Ventral surface is strongly marbled with yellowish green, green or blue and black forming oval or circle shaped black spots or curved striping.

Habitat

Up to elevations of about 800 metres in lowland primary rainforest and former forest devoted to plantations.

Habits

Diurnal and terrestrial species most often found in moist leaf litter on the forest floor but has been found up to about 15 metres in trees. Tadpoles have also been found in tree holes at this height.

Prey

Feeds mainly on ants, mites and insect larvae.

Poison Activity

Poison Type: Histrionicotoxins, Pumiliotoxins, Decahydroquinolines, Pyrrolizidines, Indolizidines, Quinolizidines, Tricyclic Gephyrotoxins, Pyrrolizidine Oximes , Coccinellines