Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Amphibia Order: Anura Family: Dendrobatidae Cope, 1865 The poison dart frog, poison arrow frog, dart frog or poison frog, is the common name given to the group of frogs belonging to the family Dendrobatidae. Poison dart frogs are native to Central and South America. The Green and Black Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates auratus) has been introduced to a few Hawaiian islands. Poison frogs are widely called poison arrow frogs or poison dart frogs, reflecting the widespread notion that the frogs are used by South American tribes in the manufacture of poison that is spread on arrows or blow-gun darts. Since most of the species are not used for this purpose, many experts prefer that poison frog is used for the group's common name. Upper left Blue poison frog Dendrobates azureus Dendrobates azureus is a type of poison dart frog found in South America, specifically in the Sipaliwini District in Suriname. Dendrobates azureus is widely known as the Blue Poison Dart Frog or by its Tirio Indian name, Okopipi. Physical description The frog has blue skin and black patches, which serve as a warning to would-be predators that the skin contains a deadly neurotoxin. It grows between 3 and 4.5 cm in length and has a typical lifespan of 4-6 years in the wild. It is highly recognizable by its hunch-back appearance. Down left Yellow-banded poison frog Dendrobates leucomelas Geographic Range Yellow banded poison dart frogs, Dendrobates leucomelas, are found in the Neotropical region, in northern South America. The range includes Venezuela, northern Brazil, Guyana and southeastern Colombia. Physical Description Dendrotes leucomelas is one of the largest species in the genus Dendrobates, with an adult body (snout to vent) length ranging from 3.1 to 5 cm, although individuals are only rarely more than 4 cm. Average weights of 3 g are reported. This species is defined by its distinctive yellow and black bands across the body. As an individual frog ages, the black bands often break off into spots. This bright coloration undoubtedly represents aposematic coloration, which is defined as having conspicuously bright colors that are used as a warning of danger or distastefulness to potential predators. These frogs are known to produce toxic chemicals in their skin, making htem poisonous to most would-be predators. Females of this species are often larger and more robust than the males Right Black-Legged Poison Frog Phyllobates bicolor The Black-legged Dart Frog (Phyllobates bicolor), also known as the bicolored dart frog or Neari in Choco, is the second most toxic of the wild poison dart frogs. This species obtained its name due to its normally yellow or orange body with black or dark blue hindlegs and forelimbs below the elbow. It lives in the lowland forests in the Choc