yellow-banded poison dart frog
yellow-banded poison dart frog
Amphibian

Location at the Zoo
Americas
Global Range
South America


Yellow-banded poison dart frog

Dendrobates leucomelas

Order: Anura
Family: Dendrobatidae
Genus: Dendrobates

DESCRIPTION

The Yellow-banded poison dart frog is a small, brightly coloured amphibian known for its bold black and yellow banding pattern, which serves as a warning to predators. Its vibrant colours advertise its toxicity, a defence mechanism evolved from its natural diet in the wild. It has a rounded body, smooth skin, and adhesive toe pads that make it an expert climber. Despite its tiny size, its striking appearance and lively behaviour make it a popular species in zoos and conservation messaging.

HEAD AND BODY LENGTH

3 to 5 centimetres (1.2 to 2 inches)

WEIGHT

2 to 4 grams



Conservation Status: IUCN


Distribution

Native to the tropical rainforests of Venezuela, Guyana, northern Brazil, and parts of Colombia, where it lives in leaf litter and low vegetation near streams or moist forest floors.



Habitat

Prefers humid, tropical rainforests, particularly areas with dense vegetation, abundant moisture, and ample cover. It is often found near rocky outcrops, under logs, or in bromeliads during the rainy season.



Diet

In the wild, feeds on small invertebrates like ants, mites, termites, and beetles—a diet that contributes to the production of its toxic skin alkaloids. In captivity, it is fed non-toxic prey like fruit flies and pinhead crickets and does not produce toxins when raised on this diet.



Reproduction

Males vocalize to attract females and establish territories. After mating, females lay clutches of 2 to 12 eggs on moist leaves or in sheltered crevices. Males guard the eggs and transport newly hatched tadpoles on their backs to small pools of water, such as those in tree holes or bromeliads, where they continue developing.



Adaptation

  • Aposematic colouration warns predators of its toxicity
  • Toxin-producing skin glands derived from wild diet help deter predation
  • Sticky toe pads assist in climbing leaves and smooth surfaces
  • Parental care—especially tadpole transport—improves offspring survival
  • Vocalization allows territory and mate communication despite small size


Threats to Survival

  • Deforestation and habitat fragmentation
  • Illegal collection for the exotic pet trade
  • Climate change affecting temperature and humidity in sensitive rainforest habitats
  • Pollution that disrupts delicate aquatic and forest floor ecosystems