Oophaga histrionica is found in tropical rainforests from western Ecuador, north through the region of Colombia occupied by the Choco tribe. (Zamora et al 1999)

Biogeographic Regions: neotropical (Native )

Harlequin poison dart frogs are small frogs, measuring only 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) (Staniszewski, 1995). The first individual was described in 1847 by Berthold, who described the frog as bright orange with black web markings all over the body (Zamora et al 1999). However, today there are numerous color morphs of O. histrionica recognized, some varying from valley to valley. The morphs range in base colors of bright to dull orange, yellow, red, white, and powder-blue. The web-like pattern over their body also varies in thickness. The reticulated pattern can range from a standard thin stripe width to speckled, incomplete lines to an all black frog with a few colored spots, making the frog appear to have a black base color when in fact the base color is that of the spots. The bright markings of O. histrionica probably act as a warning to potential predators. The skin glands of O. histrionica produce a highly toxic poison capable of repelling or even killing small predators. This toxin is collected from the prey of these frogs and then deposited in their skin. (Zamora et al 1999)

Range length: 2.5 to 3.8 cm.

Other Physical Features: ectothermic ; heterothermic ; bilateral symmetry ; polymorphic ; poisonous

Sexual Dimorphism: sexes alike

• Terrestrial

O. histrionica are found on the floor of tropical rainforests where moist, humid conditions are present. O. histrionica are found moving around on fallen branches, leaves of tropical plants and over the leaf litter on the ground of the forest. (Zamora, 1999; National Aquarium in Baltimore, 1999)

Terrestrial Biomes: forest ; rainforest

O. histrionica feeds on small invertebrates. Their primary food preferences are ants, termites, small beetles, and other small arthropods found in the leaf litter. To capture their prey, like other frogs, they rely on their sight and use a sticky, retractable tongue. Tadpoles feed on infertile eggs provided by their mother. (Zamora et al., 1999; National Aquarium in Baltimore, 1999)

Average lifespan

Status: captivity: 9.1 years.

Poison dart frogs will breed throughout the rainy season. The males attempt to attract females by perching on a leaf and giving a trilling, buzzing call. Once the male has attracted his mate, together they will search for a location to lay the eggs. The female lays her eggs on the surface of a leaf while the male follows behind her and deposits his sperm. Females may lay anywhere from 4 to 20 eggs (National Aquarium in Baltimore, 1999). Once the eggs are fertilized, the female will stay by her eggs to guard them. After about ten days, the tadpoles break free from the jelly-like egg mass and use their tails to swim onto the mother's back. The female will transfer the tadpoles one at a time to pockets of water, usually in the axils of bromeliads (air plants). O. histrionica is unique in how the tadpoles feed. O. histrionica are obligate egg feeders, meaning to insure proper development, the tadpole must eat infertile eggs from its mother (Zamora et al 1999). The female will return to the bromeliads every other day and deposit these infertile eggs into the water. The tadpoles need three months to complete metamorphosis. Once metamorphosis is complete, the juvenile frog will climb out of the bromeliad and begin terrestrial life on its own. (Staniszewski, 1995; Zamora et al., 1999; National Aquarium in Baltimore, 1999; and Ryan, 1999)

Rainforests are being destroyed at a rapid rate, and O. histrionica is found in no other habitat in the world. O. histrionica, and other species of Dendrobatids, may be the first poison dart frogs placed on an endangered species list (National Aquarium in Baltimore, 1999). Most poison dart frogs are extremely difficult to breed in captivity because of the specific habitat requirements that are hard to match (Zamora et al., 1999), and this species is particularly difficult (Staniszewski, 1995). To preserve the species, the deforestation of rainforest must slow and eventually end. (Zamora et al 1999, National Aquarium in Baltimore 1999)

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: appendix ii

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

We can assume that poison dart frogs play an integral role in the rainforest ecosystem, acting as predators on small insects and other arthropods. The skin toxins of this frog are potentially dangerous to humans who handle them, but native tribespeople have used these toxins to poison tips of blowgun darts to facilitate hunting of small food animals.