The golden poison frog (or Phyllobates terribilis) is a species of poison dart frog endemic to the rainforests of the Pacific Coast of Colombia. Although being called ‘golden’ frogs, they are actually found in mint green, yellow and orange colour morphs. All variants measure an average of 50 to 55mm and have extremely poisonous skin that’s used as a defense mechanism against predators, while their bright colouration acts as a warning signal to potential threats. They live on the forest floor and, unlike other frog species, do not require to live in or near water, though they do need a water source in which to deposit their eggs.
Latin Name
Phyllobates terribilis
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golden-poison-frog
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Animal Facts
The golden poison frog is the largest species of poison dart frog.
A single golden poison frog has enough poison on its skin to kill between 10 and 20 people.
Captive frogs do not produce toxins because they cannot eat the same invertebrates as they do in the wild, which are the source of the poison.
Indigenous tribes that live in the rainforest use the frog's poison on poison darts for hunting, hence their name.
Most species of tree frog are extremely secretive and will hide often, but this species is quite fearless, likely due to its toxicity making it invulnerable to attack.