Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat

Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.

Yellow-banded Poison Dart Frog

Scientific name: Dendrobates leucomelas


Yellow-banded Poison Dart Frog

IUCN Status: Least Concern

Family: DENDROBATIDAE

Group: Amphibians

Shyness: Suspicious

Safe distance: 2 m

Breeding season / Courtship: N/A

Gestation: N/A

Births: N/A


Habitat:
Humid tropical forests, marshy areas

Description:
The Yellow-banded Poison Dart Frog, or Dendrobates leucomelas, is a small, vividly colored frog native to the humid tropical forests of Venezuela, Guyana, and Brazil. It is easily recognizable by its bright yellow bands contrasting with its black body. This coloration serves as a warning to potential predators of its toxicity. Measuring about 3 to 4 cm in length, this species is diurnal and primarily feeds on small insects. It plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by regulating insect populations. Although its skin is toxic, it is prized by terrarium enthusiasts for its striking colors and fascinating behavior.

Recommended lens:
>=Macro

Photography tips:
To photograph the Yellow-banded Poison Dart Frog, use a macro lens to capture the details of its colorful skin. Natural light is ideal to highlight its vivid colors, so try to shoot during the day when light is abundant. Be patient and wait for the frog to move naturally to get dynamic shots. Avoid using flash as it might disturb the animal. A tripod can be helpful to stabilize your camera and achieve sharp images.

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