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Dendrobatidae
Dendrobatidae is a family of tropical Anurans. These bright amphibians are known to excrete poisons from their skin, the most toxic being that of the Golden Dart Frog (Phyllobates terribilis,) which is potent enough to kill two adult humans. The full coating could easily kill ten. They are considered some of the most toxic creatures on the planet. The Frogs have brightly colored skin to ward off predators, although this makes them very easy to spot. The name ‘Dart Frog’ originates from the Emberá (a local indigenous group) who rub their darts on the frog’s skin. This makes hunting much easier. It is uncertain as to where the frog obtains its venom. It is possible that they get it by eating toxic plants and insects to use the poisons as their own. Frogs in captivity are found to never produce toxins. One of their only predators is a snake called Erythrolamprus epinephelus which appears to survive ingesting the frog.
The females lay their eggs under leaves. After hatching, she carries the tadpoles to a Bromeliad plant, which contains a reservoir of rain water. The tadpoles spend six weeks inside the flower until they have grown into frogs. The males are extremely caring for the eggs and help guard and transport them. Most species display an arboreal lifestyle, as they are almost only seen in trees. The frogs are extremely territorial. The frogs are completely Diurnal as threats are scarce.
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