Arrowhead frogs, also known as rocket frogs or poison dart frogs, make up the family Dendrobatidae. This is a group of very colorful and striking amphibians that are distributed throughout the Neotropics or tropical America.
Among these amphibians are some of the world's most poisonous frogs. Their color patterns are a warning to predators. However, there are about 200 very different species, some of which are neither poisonous nor conspicuous. You want to know more? Don't miss this article on our site about the arrowhead frogs: types, characteristics, habitat, feeding
Characteristics of Arrowhead Frogs
The family Dendrobatidae is very diverse. However, all the species have a series of characteristics in common that allow them to be grouped in the same taxon. These are the characteristics of arrowhead frogs:
- Dermal shields: one of the main characteristics that differentiates the Dendrobatidae family is the presence of two pads or dermal shields on the distal end of fingers.
- Poison: Many dendrobatids have toxic or poisonous alkaloids on their skin. Most of these compounds are obtained through the diet through the consumption of arthropods that possess alkaloids. Others are made by the frogs themselves. Regardless of their origin, alkaloids constitute a chemical defense against predators and infectious microorganisms.
- Aposematismo: many species have very striking bright colors that warn predators about their poison or toxicity. They learn to recognize these patterns and do not consume them. This warning mechanism is known as animal aposematism.
- Crypsis: other species of arrowhead frogs are cryptic, that is, they have colors very similar to the environment they inhabit, which allows them to camouflage. Many of these species, however, are also poisonous.
- Reproductive behavior: During mating, the male grabs the female by the head (cephalic amplexus). It lays its egg masses on land, normally in the water that accumulates in plant cavities (phytotelma) or on leaf litter. Parents perform parental care, protecting the eggs and ensuring food for the tadpoles. In some species, the male or female carries the eggs until hatching.
- Cultural uses: Some native peoples used extracts from the skin of these frogs to spread the tips of their hunting arrows. Others used the poisons to perform healing rituals. Currently, frog alkaloids are highly studied in medical and pharmaceutical research.
We also leave you this other article so you know what the differences between frogs and toads are.
Arrowhead Frog Habitat
Arrowhead frogs are endemic to the Neotropical moist forests, that is, to Central America and the northern half of South America. They therefore live in a warm tropical or subtropical climate.
Inside forests, dendrobatids can be found in areas rich in leaf litter near rivers or streams. Its altitude distribution is very varied, being able to reach 2,000 meters above sea level.
Did you know that there are some frogs that can be kept as pets? We explain what they are in this other article on our site about Frog species that you can have as a pet.
Feeding the arrowhead frogs
Frogs of the Dendrobatidae family are carnivorous animals. Their diet is based on arthropods, mainly ants. Numerous have also been counted:
- Mites.
- Diptera larvae.
- Millipede.
- Beetles.
Some of these arthropods contain toxic alkaloids, so when they are consumed, the frogs accumulate them in their body.
Types of Arrowhead Frogs
The different types of arrowhead frogs are grouped into three subfamilies:
- Colostethinae.
- Dendrobatinae.
- Hyloxalinae.
Next, we will explain each of them.
Arrowhead frogs of the subfamily Colostethinae
The subfamily Colostethinae are a group of brightly coloredfrogs that often have stripesrunning lengthwise through your body. This group includes about 70 species. Among them, the genus Ameerega is the most abundant.
Examples of Colostethinae Arrowhead Frogs
Some species of the subfamily Colostethinae are the following:
- Ecuadorian poison frog (Ameerega bilinguis).
- Yurimaguas poison frog (A. hahneli).
- Epibatidine Nurse Frog (Epipedobates anthonyi).
As a curiosity, we leave you this other article about Frogs with hair - Names and photos. Did you know they existed?
Arrowhead frogs of the subfamily Dendrobatinae
The subfamily Dendrobatinae includes more than 55 species that are characterized by their vivid and bright colorsOn their skin you can see all kinds of shapes and patterns Many of them have colored circles on a black background. Furthermore, all of these frogs are very toxic In fact, the world's most poisonous frogs (genus Phyllobates) belong to this subfamily.
Examples of Dendrobatinae Arrowhead Frogs
Some species of the subfamily Dendrobatinae are:
- Golden dart frog (Phyllobates terribilis).
- Azuela poison frog (Andinobates abditus).
- Reddish Poison Frog (Ranitomeya reticulata).
The second image is from Amphibiaweb.
Arrowhead frogs of the subfamily Hyloxalinae
This subfamily of arrowhead frogs includes about 60 species. Many of them are cryptic, with green and brown colors that allow them to blend in with the environment. Among them, the genus Hyloxalus is the most abundant.
Examples of Hyloxalinae Arrowhead Frogs
Here are some examples of Hyloxalinae frogs:
- Edwards' rocket frog (H. anthracinus).
- Bocage's Rocket Frog (H. bocagei).
- Palanda Rocket Frog (H. cevallosi).
Images belong to Mauricio Rivera Correa, Caroline Molina and Bioweb.
