Why the Bright Colors?
Poison Dart Frogs are known for their bright and vibrant displays of colors and there is a very good reason for that. While it may make them spectacularly beautiful, it serves a purpose. This aposematic or warning coloration lets potential predators or even curious hands know to watch out! While all Poison Dart frogs do indeed secrete poisons, only a few select frogs have the ability to provide a lethal dose to a human (Patocka et. al 1999). While many frogs are cryptically colored to blend into their environment, pictures such as the one at right show this is not the case with Poison Dart Frogs. Unlike many other frogs, they are diurnal in nature, letting their bright colors speak for themselves as they parade through the forests. Their ability to produce toxins adds a significant wallop to their diminutive size. The poison dart frogs range in size from a little over a centimeter to around five centimeters. These small frogs are found throughout the new world tropics of South and Cent