Gourt Home::Gourt :: Phyllobates terribilis
One of the largest of all poison dart frogs, Phyllobates terribilis is also the main source of poison hunting darts used by the Choco Embera people in Colombia's Rainforest.
Poison
Its alkaloid poison prevents nerves from transmitting impulses leaving the muscles in an inactive state of contraction. This can lead to heart failure or fibrillation. It also last long after the frog has left the area as chickens and dogs have died from contact with a paper towel a frog had walked on. One wild adult terribilis has enough poison to kill up to 10 adult humans. However, this poison is lost in captive-bred and raised frogs due to the lack of certain unknown items in its diet.
Phases
Phyllobates terribilis occurs in different color phases around the area. Orange, pale green, and yellow frogs are frequently seen.
Mint Green
This phase exist in the La Brea area of Colombia and is the most common form seen in capitivy. The name "mint green" is actually rather misleading as the frogs of this phase can be pale, metallic green, dull green, or white.
Yellow
The yellow phase of Phyllobates terribilis is the reason it has the common name, Golden poison dart frog. Yellow terribilis are found in Quebrada Guangui, Colombia. These frogs can be pale yellow to a deep, golden yellow color.
Orange
While not as common as the other two morphs, orange terribilis exist in Colombia as well. They tend to be a metallic orange color or yellow-orange with varying intensity.
Golden?
Recently, a frog has been bred in Europe as Gold Phyllobates terribilis. After a genetic test, this frog was determined to be a single-colored form of phyllobates bicolor. This frog is occassionally called the terribilis morph but is not of the same species.Captive Care
Like the other Poison dart frogs, Phyllobates terribilis is harmless when raised away from its natural food source. They are a popular rainforest vivarium subject and are somewhat eaiser to feed than some dart frogs. Larger species of fruitflies, small crickets, waxworms, small mealworms, termites, and phoenix worms can be used if supplemented with calcium and other minerals. The temperature should be in the low to mid 70's. They require high humidity as they come from one of the world's most humid rainforest. P. Terribilis is not as territorial as most dart frogs and can successfully be kept in groups. However, they require a slightly larger enclosure due to their adult size (similar enclosure sizes are used for Dendrobates tinctorius). Occassional disputes may occur, but injuries are rare while death is never the result of such conflicts. Green is the most common form seen in the United States while orange and yellow are available although in much smaller numbers. Captive breeding of this species is currently on the rise. This frog is sensitive to high heat 80 degrees or higher and suffers from a condition called wasting syndrome if overheated for too long.
Sources
Phyllobates terribilis by John Gibeau and Jennifer Davis
The True Poison-Dart Frog: The Golden Poison Frog Phyllobates terribilis By: Sean K. Stewart
References
- Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is endangered
"Phyllobates terribilis"