Golfodulcean Poison Dart Frog

Golfodulcean Poison Dart Frogs are small, growing to about 1 inch long and weighing less than an ounce. They have a black base color with a blue-green underside and bright orange, red, or yellow stripes running along their backs. These vivid colors act as a warning to predators. In the wild, they are toxic when eaten, with their poison coming from their diet. Frogs raised in human care typically do not develop this toxicity due to differences in what they eat.

Golfodulcean Poison Dart Frogs live in tropical forests and inland wetlands, especially areas with access to freshwater breeding sites. They are found along the southern coast of Costa Rica.

These frogs are insectivores, feeding mainly on ants, mites, and other small insects.

Golfodulcean Poison Dart Frogs show unique parental care, especially from the males. Males establish and defend small territories to attract a mate. After eggs are laid on leaves, the male guards them closely. Once the eggs hatch, he carries the tadpoles on his back to water, where they can continue to develop. They live about 10 years on average.

The bold colors of the Golfodulcean Poison Dart Frog are an example of aposematic coloration, which warns predators that the frog may be toxic. This visual signal helps protect them in the wild, where standing out can actually be a survival advantage.

Vulnerable