Hailey 2021

BLUE POISON ARROW FROG

This research paper features the Blue Poison Arrow Frog within its natural environment. It is also known as the Blue Poison Dart Frog. It is found in the forests adjacent to far northern brazil. Its scientific name is Dendrobates Tinctorios “Azureus” named due to its blue colour.

It’s medium sized and weights about 8g. It grows to 3.0 to 4.5 cm in length with a long tail growing up to 10mm.  Females are larger than males but males have larger toes. They don’t have legs and have gills instead of lungs.

Is this an endangered species? YES. It is a vulnerable species due to loss of rainforest habitant and the illegal pet trade. It’s also impacted by an infectious disease in amphibians caused by Chytrid Funai.

The blue poison dart frog feeds on ants, beetles, flies, mites, spiders, termites, maggots, and caterpillars. The frog has a typical lifespan of five to seven years in the wild. The black spots are unique to each frog, enabling individuals to be identified. They live under rocks and moss near streams but can sometime be seen high up in surrounding trees.

The male takes care of the eggs, sometimes joined by the female. The eggs hatch after 14 to 18 days, and after 10 to 12 weeks the tadpoles are fully mature. Both sexes reach sexual maturity at two years of age. They are aggressive both towards their own species and others. To ward off intruders, they use a series of calls, chases, and wrestling.

I have chosen this animal because I love frogs and I love its colours.