Info

Dendrobates auratus is a diurnal species found in Central America as well as parts South America. Populations of D. auratus were introduced intentionally to Hawai'i for pest control. They live on the forest floor near streams or ephemoral pools, in which the females will lay eggs and the tadpoles will live. They are small, growing to only around 1.5 inches.

Diet

Their diet is what makes poison dart frogs poisonous. In the wild, they primarily eat insects, namely ants that are high in alkaloids. The frogs are able to sequester these alkaloids and release thewm through their skin when they feel threatened.

Sources

• Schafer, R. 1999. "Dendrobates auratus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web.