Every month, we will be featuring a different frog with expanded information and special prices. Please check back monthly to find out what will be the next Frog of the Month.

The Frog for December is the Mint Green form of Phyllobates terribilis. P. terribilis is the top of three, highly toxic Dart Frogs to which the name “Poison Dart Frog” was derived, the other two being Phyllobates bicolor, and Phyllobates aurotaenia. P. terribilis originates from the Southwest region of Colombia, around the Rio Saija drainage, where it inhabits the lowland rainforests around 650 feet (200m.) above sea level. In its wild state, P. terribilis is one of only three, truly poisonous Dart Frogs, which were used to by some of the Choco tribes of Colombia to poison their hunting darts. In captive-bred specimens, the toxin is a non-issue, as the usual diet of fruit flies, and crickets does not allow for the production of the dangerous batrachotoxins in these frogs.

P. terribilis is a large, robust dart frog that grows to about 2 inches (5cm.), males being slightly smaller than the females. Their colors range from Orange, to Yellow, to Mint Green. The Mint Green form is encountered most often in the U.S. hobby. Orange, Yellow forms of P. terribilis are also available in the U.S., but are still considered relatively uncommon..

P. terribilis 'Mint'

P. terribilis 'Mint'

In captivity, P. terribilis can be maintained in a rainforest terrarium. Despite their large size, they do not require a large amount of space, as they usually just sit out in the open. They are primarily terrestrial, and should be maintained as such. They will occasionally climb as juveniles, but rarely as adults. Instead, they spend most of their time sitting on the terrarium floor. Their bold behavior might be in part, due to the fact that they have very little to fear in the wild. As in other Phyllobates species, they are very aggressive feeders, taking much larger food items than other similarly sized Dendrobatids. An adult P. terribilis should have no trouble taking a 3-week-old cricket, although smaller food items are usually recommended. Their temperature should be maintained from 70-80 degrees F (22-28 degrees C.).

P. terribilis are prolific breeders, and will normally breed in a bower. Males have a loud, warbling, trill call. Males usually do not return to moisten the clutch of up to 30 eggs, possibly due to the high level of moisture in their natural habitat, but if given the chance, should return to transport the tadpoles once they hatch. The tadpoles can be reared together, and fed on high quality, tropical fish food. As with other Phyllobates species, the emerging froglets seem to have a difficult time climbing steep walls, and can drown easily. Care should be given to make sure that they can easily climb out of the water. They often start sitting at the edge of the water while they still have a significant part of their tails left. The froglets will emerge with only two dorsal-lateral stripes on a black body, and will become Solid Mint Green as they mature. The froglets are easy to rear, as they are very aggressive feeders as well.

P. terribilis can make an excellent addition to any Dart Frog Collection. The Mint Green form of P. terribilis has a beautiful coloration. They are large, extremely hardy, very bold, very attractive, prolific breeders, and aggressive feeders, and are extremely well suited for even the beginner Dart Frog Enthusiast.