Phyllobates terribilis
| Phyllobates terribilis | |
|---|---|
 Golden Poison Dart Frog Phyllobates terribilis (©) Brian Gratwicke | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Dendrobatidae |
| Genus: | Phyllobates |
| Species: | terribilis |
| Binomial name | |
| Phyllobates terribilis | |
| (Myers, C.W.; Daly, J.W. & B. Malkin, 1978) | |
Also known as the "Golden Poison Dart Frog", "Golden Poison Frog", or simply "Terribilis", Phyllobates terribilis is a diurnal, primarily terrestrial species endemic to western Colombia. It is among the largest species of dart frogs kept in captivity, and one of only three species of "dart frogs" confirmed to be used by indigenous peoples for poisoning darts (along with Phyllobates aurotaenia and Phyllobates bicolor).
The species name terribilis refers to the toxic secretions this frog produces in the wild. It is estimated that a single wild Phyllobates terribilis contains enough toxin to kill about five adult humans.[1] Despite its extreme toxicity in nature, terribilis kept in captivity are not known to be dangerously toxic.
The IUCN classifies terribilis as Endangered (EN). Wild populations are decreasing primarily due to habitat loss.[2]
Description[edit | edit source]
Adults typically reach 1.6 - 1.85 inches (41-47 mm) in size. Adult frogs are solid-colored, and either bright yellow, orange, or mint green with few (if any) markings. One locality ("Orange Blackfoot") is bright orange with black-accented legs. Wild Phyllobates terribilis are believed to be the most toxic of the Dendrobatids, though relatively harmless when raised entirely in captivity. Wild-caught specimens are known to retain their toxicity for three years or more, and should be avoided.[3]
In addition to their infamous toxicity, P. terribilis are also known for their boldness. Hobbyists report they are fearless, almost always visible, and quickly learn to associate the opening of an enclosure with food.
Localities[edit | edit source]
The following localities and phenotypes have been established in captivity:
- "Orange"
- "Orange Blackfoot" (phenotype of "Orange" first introduced by Tesoros de Colombia)
- "Mint"
- "Yellow"
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Geographical Distribution[edit | edit source]
This species occurs in tropical rainforests and wetlands in the western foothills of the Andes in Pacific coastal Colombia. [5]
Reproduction[edit | edit source]
Male P. terribilis will call near a laying site to attract a female. Eggs are deposited on moist, terrestrial sites in clutches of up to 20 eggs.[1] Once eggs hatch, the male will carry tadpoles on his back
Threats[edit | edit source]
- Agriculture and pesticides
- Livestock ranching
- Mining and quarrying
- Logging
Calls[edit | edit source]
Males will emit "long sustained trills", of relatively low pitch compared to other Phyllobates.
Conservation[edit | edit source]
P. terribilis is endangered and wild populations are decreasing. However, the species prolific and numerous in captivity, where it is readily available in the pet trade.
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Myers, C.W.; Daly, J.W. & B. Malkin (1978). "A dangerously toxic new frog (Phyllobates) used by Embera Indians of western Colombia with discussion of blowgun fabrication and dart poisoning". Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History. 161: 307–366. hdl:2246/1286
- ↑ IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group. 2017. Phyllobates terribilis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T55264A85887889. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T55264A85887889.en. Accessed on 08 May 2024.
- ↑ Daly JW, Secunda SI, Garraffo HM, Spande TF, Wisnieski A, Cover JF Jr. "An uptake system for dietary alkaloids in poison frogs (Dendrobatidae)". Toxicon. 1994 Jun;32(6):657-63. doi: 10.1016/0041-0101(94)90335-2. PMID: 7940573.
- ↑ IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), Conservation International & NatureServe. 2016. Phyllobates terribilis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Accessed on 08 May 2024.
- ↑ Species Account Citation: AmphibiaWeb 2021 Phyllobates terribilis: Golden Poison Frog https://amphibiaweb.org/species/1707 University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA. Accessed May 8, 2024.