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Phantasmal poison dart frog
The phantasmal poison dart frog is a small but brilliantly coloured amphibian native to the Andean foothills of central Ecuador, where it lives in moist tropical forests. Its colours range from deep red to brown, with a distinctive pale stripe running along each side of the body. Despite their name, these frogs only develop potent toxins in the wild due to their natural diet; captive‑bred individuals are not considered dangerous.
We have 28 individuals free-roaming the forest floor in the Tropical House, keep an eye out for these tiny frogs leaping from leaf to leaf by the waterfall.
Class:
Amphibian
Order:
Anura
Family:
Dendrobatidae
About the phantasmal poison dart frog
As insectivores, phantasmal poison dart frogs feed on tiny invertebrates such as ants, mites, and small flies. Their bright colours act as a warning to predators in the wild, a classic example of aposematic signalling. These frogs are active during the day and can often be spotted moving confidently through leaf litter and low vegetation.
They are usually found in territorial pairs. Eggs are laid on land in humid, protected areas, and once they hatch, adults transport the tadpoles to pools of water where they complete their development.
Conservation
The species is listed as Endangered by the IUCN due to habitat loss, disease, and collection in its limited range in central Ecuador. Deforestation and water pollution threaten the moist forest habitats these frogs rely on, while disease and illegal wildlife trade put additional pressure on wild populations. Conservation actions include captive breeding programmes and efforts to protect remaining forest habitats.