Hobbies And Interests
Black-Legged Dart Frog
The black-legged dart frog, Phyllobates bicolor, bears similar coloring to a related species known as the golden poison dart frog, Phyllobates terribilis, causing frequent confusion. Though both predominantly yellow in color, the more vivid yellow body of the Phyllobates bicolor almost always fades to its namesake: entirely black legs. This frog is native to the Colombia area in South America. Its poison -- batrachotoxin -- is secreted from its glands and is exceptionally toxic; an amount no larger than three grains of salt would be fatal to a 150-lb human.
Yellow-Banded Dart Frog
Also known as the bumblebee frog, the yellow-banded dart frog -- Dendrobates leucomelas -- begins life colored brightly yellow with thick stripes of black. With age, the pattern evolves; bands of black dissolve into spots. These frogs inhabit the evergreen and tropical rainforests of South and Central America. They can be spotted along forest floors and occasionally in tropical trees, using glandular pads on the tips of their toes and fingers for climbing assistance. Yellow-banded dart frogs may grow to reach 5 cm in length.
Northern Corroboree Frog
The endangered Australian northern corroboree frog bears distinct markings of black and neon yellow, often taking the formation of vertical stripes. Meanwhile, its smooth underside reveals a marbled pattern, also of black and yellow or occasionally black and white. Adults of the species may reach 35 mm in length, and its toes are notably unwebbed. The northern corroboree frog, also known as a northern brood frog, is easily confused with its southern counterpart; its scientific name is Pseudophryne pengilleyi.
Southern Corroboree Frog
Unlike its northern version, the southern Australian corroboree frog features a more golden yellow hue within its distinctive pattern. Its range is small, found only in New South Wales at altitudes higher than 4,000 feet. Despite the limited distribution, the habitats of the southern corroboree frog are varied to include grasslands and woodlands. Its official status is threatened, and its population is decreasing due to disease and invasive species among other causes; spotting a southern corroboree frog in the wild is rare.
Panamanian Golden Frog
The Panamanian golden frog, Atelopus zeteki, is critically endangered. It can be found only in Panama, making its home in the streams of rainforests and dry forests of the Cordilleran Mountains. Like dart frogs, this species uses its vivid coloring -- a bright yellow body with a smattering of uneven black spots -- to warn of its poison to predators. Golden dart frogs reach 1 to 2 inches in length upon adulthood and may live as long as 12 years.