Golden Poison Frog
⚡ Key Facts & Quick Answers (AEO Summary)
- Taxonomic Class: Amphibians (Amphibia)
- Dietary Niche: Insectivore (Rainforest ants, beetles, termites)
- Max Speed: 4 km/h (2.5 mph)
- Adult Weight: 3 - 5 grams
- Typical Lifespan: 5 - 10 years
- Primary Habitat: Lowland tropical rainforest floors, leaf litter
- Native Region: Pacific Coast of Colombia (South America)
- IUCN Red List: Endangered
📊 Physical & Biological Metrics
🧬 Scientific Taxonomy & Biological Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Amphibia |
| Order | Anura |
| Family | Dendrobatidae |
| Genus | Phyllobates |
| Species Binomial | Phyllobates terribilis |
📖 1. Species Overview
The Golden Poison Frog is the most toxic animal on Earth. Its skin is saturated with batrachotoxin, which prevents nerves from transmitting impulses, causing heart failure in predators.
🦿 2. Physical Appearance, Anatomy & Adaptations
Features bright golden-yellow or mint-green skin, black eyes, and specialized toe pads for climbing.
🗺️ 3. Habitat, Geographic Distribution & Territorial Range
Diurnal and terrestrial. They are highly social, living in family groups (armies) on wet forest floors.
🥩 4. Diet, Feeding Strategy & Hunting Tactics
Forage for specialized rainforest ants and beetles, whose diet provides the chemicals to synthesize their skin toxins.
🐣 5. Reproduction, Lifecycle & Social Hierarchy
Lay eggs on damp leaves. The male carries the hatched tadpoles on his back to nearby water pools to develop.
🛡️ 6. Conservation Status, Population Threats & Protection
Endangered. Threatened by the destruction of its tiny rainforest habitat for agriculture and timber logging.
💡 Fascinating Facts & Trivia
- A single golden poison frog contains enough toxin in its skin to kill 10 to 20 adult humans.
- Frogs bred in captivity lose their toxicity completely because they do not eat the toxic rainforest insects.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Direct authoritative answers regarding the biology, feeding habits, and habitat of the Golden Poison Frog.
The Golden Poison Frog is scientifically classified as Phyllobates terribilis. It belongs to the genus Phyllobates within the family Dendrobatidae, class Amphibia, and phylum Chordata.
In the wild, Golden Poison Frogs inhabit Lowland tropical rainforest floors, leaf litter. Their native geographic range primarily spans Pacific Coast of Colombia (South America).
The Golden Poison Frog is classified as a Insectivore. It feeds primarily on specialized nutrients suited to its ecological niche in Lowland tropical rainforest floors, leaf litter.
A Golden Poison Frog can achieve top speeds of 4 km/h (2.5 mph) and weighs approximately 3 - 5 grams. Its expected natural lifespan is 5 - 10 years.
The Golden Poison Frog (Phyllobates terribilis) is currently designated as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Cite this Article
FaunaWiki Zoological Database (2026). "Golden Poison Frog (Phyllobates terribilis) Species Profile."
🐾 Related Species & Co-inhabitants
Reptiles (Reptilia)
King Cobra
VulnerableThe king cobra is the longest venomous snake in the world, capable of reaching lengths of up to 5.8 meters (19 feet). When threatened, it can lift up to a third of its body straight off the ground, flare its iconic hood, and emit a deep, bone-chilling growl. Despite its reputation, the king cobra is generally shy and avoids humans if possible. Its scientific name Ophiophagus means 'snake-eater', referencing its unique diet consisting almost entirely of other snakes.
Amphibians (Amphibia)
Red-eyed Tree Frog
Least ConcernThe red-eyed tree frog is a vibrant, iconic inhabitant of Central and South American rainforests. With its bright green body, blue-and-yellow striped flanks, orange webbed feet, and striking, blood-red eyes, it is a master of color. During the day, it tucks its legs close and closes its eyes to blend in with green leaves. If disturbed, it flashes its bright colors and bulging red eyes to startle predators, a defense mechanism known as 'startle coloration'.
Amphibians (Amphibia)
Poison Dart Frog
VulnerableThe Poison Dart Frog is a group of small, brightly colored amphibians native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. They are famous for their extremely toxic skin secretions, which indigenous tribes have used for centuries to poison the tips of blowdarts. Their brilliant, vibrant coloration serves as an warning sign to warn predators of their toxicity. Despite their name, captive-bred poison dart frogs are entirely harmless as their toxicity is derived from their wild diet.