Phantasmal poison dart frog
Scientific name: Epipedobates tricolor
IUCN listed as: Vulnerable
Learn before you visit!
Here are some facts about the species – Discover what they eat, find out about their natural habitat, see what they like to do, and more… Set the reading style to suit you too, everyday speak or something aimed towards children.
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Diet
Phantasmal Poison Dart Frogs primarily feed on small invertebrates such as ants, termites, and beetles. Their diet in the wild contributes to their toxicity, as they sequester toxins from their prey. In captivity, they are fed a diet of non-toxic insects to ensure they are not poisonous. This diet includes fruit flies, small crickets, and springtails. Proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining their vibrant colours and overall health.
Phantasmal Poison Dart Frogs eat small bugs like ants and termites. These bugs make the frogs poisonous. In zoos, they eat safe bugs like fruit flies. This helps them stay healthy and colourful.
Breeding
Breeding occurs throughout the year, with males attracting females through vocalisations. After mating, the female lays between 10 to 30 eggs on moist leaves or in leaf litter. The male guards the eggs and, once they hatch, transports the tadpoles to water bodies on his back. This parental care continues until the tadpoles metamorphose into froglets. This reproductive strategy enhances the survival rate of the offspring in their natural habitat.
These frogs lay 10 to 30 eggs on leaves. The dad takes care of the eggs and carries the tadpoles to water when they hatch. This helps the babies grow up safely. Frogs use calls to find mates.
Habitat
Phantasmal Poison Dart Frogs are native to the Andean slopes of central Ecuador, specifically in Bolívar Province. They inhabit tropical and subtropical forests, thriving in moist leaf litter and near streams. These habitats provide the necessary conditions for foraging, breeding, and hiding from predators. However, habitat loss due to agriculture and deforestation poses significant threats. Conservation efforts focus on protecting these critical habitats to ensure their survival.
These frogs live in Ecuador’s rainforests, on the ground and near streams. Their homes are being cut down for farms. Protecting their forests is very important. They need these places to find food and stay safe.
At the zoo
In zoos, Phantasmal Poison Dart Frogs are housed in enclosures that replicate their natural rainforest habitat, including humidity and temperature control. They are fed non-toxic insects to prevent the development of their natural toxins. Zoos play a critical role in the conservation of these frogs through captive breeding programs and public education. These efforts help raise awareness about the species and their ecological significance. Breeding programs also help maintain healthy populations and genetic diversity.
In zoos, these frogs live in places that look like rainforests. They eat safe bugs so they aren’t poisonous. Zoos help protect them and teach people about them. This keeps frog numbers healthy.
Behaviour
These frogs are diurnal and highly territorial. Males use vocal calls to attract females and defend their territory from other males. They are known for their vibrant coloration, which serves as a warning to potential predators of their toxicity. Their behaviour includes active foraging during the day and resting in moist, shaded areas to maintain hydration. The territorial and colourful displays are essential for their mating success and survival.
These frogs are active during the day and defend their space. Males call to attract females and scare away other males. Their bright colours warn predators they are poisonous. They forage for food and stay in shady spots to keep cool.
Fun facts
- Colourful Warnings: Their colours tell predators to stay away.
- Caring Dads: Dads carry baby tadpoles to water.
- Poison Power: Their skin has a very strong poison.
- Tiny Frogs: They are very small, about the size of a quarter.
- Needs Help: They are losing their homes and need protection.
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