Learn About the Deadly Poison Arrow Frog!

by Max Moreno, age 10

Meet the strawberry poison arrow frog, one of the deadliest amphibians on Earth. This brightly colored frog oozes a toxin from its skin, making it poisonous if touched or eaten.

Did you know strawberry poison arrow frogs can jump 50 times their height? These frogs can be found in Central America, and are known to have long, sticky tongues that eat flies and other insects. The frog has a bright red body with black dots and some have blue legs; this is how scientists distinguish the strawberry poison frogs species. Some related species of the strawberry poison arrow frog are D Lehmanni and Dendrobates auratus.

Its lifespan can be around three to five years. When the frogs lay eggs, they find a location with water that is safe from predators such as trees. The toes of the frogs' feet have little suction cups that stick to climbing surfaces. The eyes of this frog can catch dim light in the rainforest, and has a slit to protect the eye while traveling in the rainforest.

Scientists often say that the brighter a frog is, the more poisonous it is. So be cautious and avoid touching any unknown frogs, especially if they have bright colors.

[Source: The Encyclopedia of Animals]