The blue dart frog
The blue dart frog or Dendrobates Azureus belongs to the family of dendrobatidae, diurnal amphibians that live in jungle spaces. They contain unique and beautiful coloration that indicate to whom their high level of toxicity is found.
Blue dart frog physical aspect
Although its name is blue dart frog, it can show different shades that vary from blue-light to dark blue-purple for instance also dark-colored spots. Each individual is different and unique.
It is a quite fine frog that measures between 40 and 50 mm in length, the male differs from the female for being smaller, thinner, and singing in adulthood.
The colors it proves are a warning of the deadly poison for several animals, even for humans.
Blue dart frog behavior
These are land frogs although they spend being near water to splash nearly. Males are quite territorial with members of their own species and others, so they stay most of the day defending their territory through various sounds.
It is also with those sounds that the male attracts the female. At 14–18 months of age, the blue dart frog reaches sexual maturity and courtship begins to be evident, not at everything shy. After copulation, the females use dark and humid stores for laying where generally 4 to five eggs appear.
Blue dart frog feeding
Blue dart frogs are principally insectivorous and for that reason, they feed on insects for instance ants, flies, and caterpillars.
These insects are the ones that produce formic acid, necessary for them to synthesize the poison. For that motive, frogs bred in captivity are not toxic, since they are deprived of different types of insects that make them harmless.
State of conservation
The blue dart frog is in a vulnerable state, i.e., it is threatened. Its continued capture and deforestation of its natural lodging is killing off existing populations. For this motive, if you wish to purchase a Blue dart Frog it is quite critical that you ask for a registered reptile possession certificate. Do not purchase through undiscovered Internet and be suspicious of any toxic dendrobates, as it may be due to their underground capture.
Blue dart frog care
If you are considering adopting a blue dart frog, you should know that its maintenance, economic costs, and dedication will require a wonderful deal of time and effort. For your new pet to be in perfect condition, you must at least comply with these minimum conditions:
- Provide him with a vivarium sizing at least 45 x 40 x 40.
- They are quite territorial, do not mix 2 males.
- Keep the temperature between 21ºC and 30ºC.
- The humidity will be between 70% and 100%, these are tropical frogs.
Add a low ultraviolet (UV) radiation. - Also, in the vivarium, the frog should contain room to move nearly, trunks and leaves to climb, a fine pool of water and plants. You can add bromeliads, vines, ficus…
The Health of a Blue dart frog
It is critical to contain an exotic specialist nearby, if you admire secretions or strange behaviors go to him to identify the problem. They are sensitive to contracting parasitic diseases if not properly care.
They can also suffer dehydration, fungus, or food deficiencies. The veterinarian can recommend vitamins if he thinks it is appropriate.
Curiosities
Previously it was thought that the name blue dart frog came from the Indians who used them to poison their enemies with darts. Today we know that darts were poisoned with Phyllobates Terribilis, Phyllobates bicolor, and Phyllobates aurotaenia
