The most poisonous animal in the world is not a snake or a spider – it’s one of the most dazzling frogs you’ll ever see. Poison dart frogs come in a dizzying array of colors and patterns.
The golden poison dart frog, called terribilis (the terrible), is so toxic that it can kill 20,000 mice or 10 people!
Native tribesman in their ranges have been known to poison the tips of blowdarts with the frog’s toxin when hunting.
Complex compounds in the skin secretions of dart frogs are being studied by scientists for potential medical use. These hopping pharmacies have already provided a possible substitute for morphine which is non-addictive and 100 times more potent.
Class: Amphibia
Family: Dendrobatidae
Size: ¾ to 2 ¾ inches
Food: Ants, termites, and other insects
Range: Central and South America
Habitat: Moist tropical areas
Life Cycle: Most lay small numbers of eggs and provide some parental care.
