Dendrobates tinctorius

Also known as "Tincs" and the "Dyeing Poison Frog", Dendrobates tinctorius is a diurnal, semi-arboreal species native to Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and the northern-most region of Brazil.

The IUCN classifies D. tinctorius as Least Concern (LC). Wild populations are common in French Guiana, though distributed sporadically throughout the rest of their known range.

Dendrobates tinctorius
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Dendrobatidae
Genus:	Dendrobates
Species:	tinctorius
Binomial name
Dendrobates tinctorius
(Cuvier, 1797)

Description

Dendrobates tinctorius typically reach 1.49 to 1.97 inches (37.8-50.0 mm) in size. While a wide variety of localities occur in nature, adults typically display blue arms and legs, with black spots of various sizes - though some locales may not display any spots at all. Some locales will display yellow coloration on the head or back, while others will appear sky blue in contrast to darker blues common in other localities.

Among varieties known and available to the pet trade, Dendrobates tinctorius "Azureus" is among the most immediately recognizable localitis. Notably, prior to 2006, the "Azureus" locale was described as a distinct species: Dendrobates azureus. In 2006 further analysis suggested Dendrobates azureus was actually a variant of Dendrobates tinctorius, and that they both represented a single species.

Localities

The following list is far from exhaustive but includes localities and phenotypes which have been established in captivity:

• "Azureus"
• "Brazilian Yellow Head"
• "Citronella"
• "Cobalt"
• "Giant Orange"
• "Green Sipaliwini" ("Green Sips")
• "Inferalinis"
• "Koetari River"
• "Lorenzo"
• "Matecho"
• "New River"
• "Oyapock"
• "Patricia"
• "Powder Blue"
• "Robertus"
• "Table Mountain"
• "True Sipaliwini"
• "Tumucumaque" ("Peacock")
• "Yellowback"

Geographical Distribution

Dendrobates tinctorius (Dyeing Poison Frog) geographic range, IUCN

Dendrobates tinctorius are found in the lowland forests of Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, and Suranime. The species has been observed as high as 1,970 feet (600 meters) above sea level.

Reproduction

Male Dendrobates tinctorius typically call from the ground to attract a female. Interested females will make contact with the male's snout and back, after which the male will lead the female to a laying site, where 2-6 eggs are typically laid. Eggs are typically guarded and tended to by the male, but the female may sometimes tend to them instead, or in addition to the male.

After 14-18 days, the tadpoles will hatch. At this time either parent (though typically the male) will carry them to small pools of water in bromeliad or other plant leaf axils.

Males are differentiated from females by calling behavior, and their large, heart-shaped toepads on their front legs. Females may be slightly larger than males.

Diet

In nature Dendrobates tinctorius are known to prey on a variety of arthropods, including ants, termites, beetles, wasps, insect larvae, and mites. Among these, ants are the most common prey items.

Captive frogs are typically fed supplement-dusted wingless or flightless Drosophila hydei or melanogaster fruit flies.

Calls

The call of Dendrobates tinctorius is described as a very low intensity "buzz". This call is only audible from close by.

Conservation

Dendrobates tinctorius is listed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN. Threats to wild populations include agriculture, aquaculture, logging, and collection for use as pets or display animals. D. tinctorius are abundant in captivity and widely available in the pet trade.