photo: John M. Adamski

The Blue and Yellow Poison Dart frog or Dyeing Dart frog (Dendrobates tinctorius) is one of the most colorful frogs I have ever seen. Native to areas in and around the Guiana shield, the Dyeing Dart frog is a rainforest species that can be found in small pockets at altitudes of around 350 meters or more. Soil erosion is one of this frog’s biggest threats, causing them to be often found at sea level. Tribal people rubbed the poisonous frogs on the feathers of young parrots causing the feathers to change colors from the chemical reaction of the poison and the feathers – hence the name Dyeing Dart frog. At the Seneca Park Zoo, during feeding time, these frogs often twitch their toes in anticipation of receiving insects!