Poison Dart Frog
Poison Dart Frog
Amphibian
A tiny, brightly coloured amphibian with highly toxic skin.
💡 Fun Facts
- Uses incredibly bright colours to warn predators on the dark forest floor that its skin is highly toxic.
Name Story
Phyllobates terribilis
means “the terrible leaf-climber”
What does its name mean?
- Phyllobates — leaf-climberGreek phyllon 'leaf' + batēs 'walker/climber'
- terribilis — terrible, dreadfulLatin terrere 'to frighten'
This tiny golden frog's name means 'the terrible one' — and it earns it, for it is the most poisonous animal with a backbone on the whole planet. Rainforest hunters once wiped the tips of their blow-darts on its skin, which is why it is also called a poison dart frog.
📄 Educational Handout Available
Download the printable infographic: Frogs and Toads