Dendrobates tinctorius (Dyeing Poison Dart Frog, Blue Poison Dart Frog) Amphibians-Frogs Exotic
|
|
Common name: Dyeing Poison Dart Frog, Blue Poison Dart Frog
Taxonomy: available through
www.itis.gov
Identification: A relatively large and highly variable poison dart frog. Morphs can range from a background blue color with black spots to varying degrees of black body with yellow or white markings and typically with blue arms and legs (Wollenberg et al., 2006).
Size: 3-4.5 cm svl
Native Range: Native to parts of the eastern Guiana Shield, including areas of French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil (AmphibiaWeb, 2022; IUCN, 2021).
|
Alaska |
Hawaii |
Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands |
Guam Saipan |
Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps
Nonindigenous Occurrences:
Table 1. States with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Dendrobates tinctorius are found here.
Table last updated 12/8/2024
† Populations may not be currently present.
Ecology: In a study of D. tinctorius diets in French Guiana, ants comprised approximately 80% of all dietary items found in frog stomachs, followed by beetles and mites at 6-7% each (Born et al., 2010). Pairs of D. tinctorius laid clutches of 2-14 eggs in the leaf litter; after about 14-28 days of development males carry 1-2 tadpoles at a time and deposit them in water-filled palm bracts, bromeliad axils, or tree holes (AmphibiaWeb, 2022; Born et al., 2010). The tadpoles are omnivorous, feeding on detritus, insect larvae, and the eggs and tadpoles of other frogs. Metamorphosis from tadpole to frog takes 90-120 days (Born et al., 2010).
Means of Introduction: Likely an escaped or released pet.
Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. Research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made. Captive bred individuals are typically not poisonous unless fed a special diet (Caldwell, 1996).
References: (click for full references)
AmphibiaWeb. 2022.
Dendrobates tinctorius: Dyeing Poison Frog. https://amphibiaweb.org/species/1646. Created on 10/16/2022. Accessed on 01/08/2024.
Born, M., F. Bongers, E.H. Poelman, and F.J. Sterck. 2010. Dry-season retreat and dietary shift of the dart-poison frog Dendrobates tinctorius (Anura: Dendrobatidae). Phyllomedusa: Journal of Herpetology 9(1):37-52.
Caldwell, J.P. 1996. The evolution of myrmecophagy and its correlates in poison frogs (Family Dendrobatidae). Journal of Zoology (London) 240:75-101. https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1996.tb05487.x.A
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). 2021. Dyeing Poison Frog Dendrobates tictorius. https://www.iucnredlist.org/es/species/55204/61395760. Created on 04/13/2021. Accessed on 01/10/2024.
Wollenberg, K.C., M. Veith, B.P. Noonan, S. Lötters. 2006. Polymorphism versus species richness—systematics of large Dendrobates from the eastern Guiana Shield (Amphibia: Dendrobatidae). Copeia 2006(4):623-629.
Author:
Jonathan Freedman
Revision Date: 1/10/2024
Citation Information:
Jonathan Freedman, 2024, Dendrobates tinctorius (Cuvier, 1797): U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=3873, Revision Date: 1/10/2024, Access Date: 12/8/2024
This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.