The vibrant colours of the Dendrobates tinctorius, more commonly known as the dyeing dart frog, easily makes it one of the most exotic yet peculiar creatures among the species of the poison dart frogs.
This amphibian is native to Guyana’s rich, pristine forests. This frog enjoys the ground and is inclined to remain there. However, it can be found on vines that hang close to the ground and near water.
Some dyeing dart frogs reach 3.5 cm long but most morphs are around 5 cm in length or slightly bigger, while some of the larger morphs may exceed 7 cm, although large ones are usually closer to 5.5 cm long. As of recent, however, breeders have had much success raising larger ones.
Dyeing dart frogs are usually black, with an asymmetrical pattern of yellow or white stripes running along the back, flanks, chest, head, and belly. However, it is not unusual for the body to be primarily blue-yellow, or mostly white. The legs can range from pale blue, sky blue or blue-gray to royal blue, cobalt blue, navy blue, or royal purple and are usually sprinkled with little black dots.
Males are characteristically smaller and more slender than females, but they have larger toe discs. Interestingly, the toe discs of female dyeing poison dart frogs are circular but their counterparts’ are heart-shaped. Also, the females have arched backs while males have curved ones. The Dyeing Dart Frogs usually consume ants, spiders, termites and other insects.
Interestingly, this frog can prove to be highly toxic if consumed, for it produces pumiliotoxins which is used for self-defense. While pumiliotoxins are said to be weaker than their derivative allopumiliotoxins and the batrachotoxins secreted by Phyllobates species, they are sufficiently toxic to discourage most animals from feeding on them.
Severe digestive problems occur when animals fail to take heed of its bright colours which is intended to represent danger. It is said that in the case of the dyeing dart frog, the toxins can cause intense pain, cramping and even stiffness if the animal is not handled correctly.
It is understandable that they have very few enemies. The colour scheme of the frogs are also said to give an indication of the varying degrees of toxicity. The brighter and more the colour mix, the more deadly it should be viewed.
Some rate these frogs as the most poisonous animal alive. In Guyana and others parts of South America, the poison produced by the dyeing dart frog plays an instrumental part in hunting for indigenous tribes. Hunters from indigenous tribes regularly hunt birds, monkeys and other small animals using poison darts. The poison often comes from the dyeing dart frog.
In some cases, its toxins are incorporated in a decorative process where feathers are removed from birds and dipped into the poison. The high toxins cause the feathers to transform into a beautiful yellow colour if it was once red or green. These modified feathers are highly revered in those tribes and they are used as part of certain ceremonial processes.
Dyeing Dart Frogs are sought after and exporting is usually an easy process. For further particulars or details on how this poisonous frog can be exported, contact Animal Farm Guyana Lot 5 New Haven, Bel Air, Georgetown, Guyana, South America on Telephone: 592-227-5585 or 592-223-9888, US Direct Number: 1-954-246-4841, Fax: 592-227-0373 or via email on email: [email protected].