Bumblebee Poison Dart Frog
Nomenclature: Dendrobates leucomelas
IUCN Red List: Least Concern
Country of Origin: Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, Venezuela.
Information: This species is 1 of 4 species in the Dendrobates genus all of which use Aposematism as a defence mechanism. Aposematism basically derives from the Greek words that mean "Warning Colours" a defence which wards off potential predators and threats. However, Like most of the Dendrobatidae (Poison Dart Frog) Family they are highly toxic but it is a very common misconception that they are and have been used by Native Tribes for their darts, only the Phyllobates genus have been known to be used in this manner. Dendrobatidae toxins vary from species to species, but some are extremely potent neurotoxins. The alkaloid toxins, secreted from the frogs' skin, interfere with nerve impulses, which can lead to heart failure or fibrillation.
This species is actually very widely bred in captivity and is often dubbed as a Beginners species. However even though this species is widely kept in captivity, one of it's main threats is not from Over-collection for the Pet Trade, but for it's Medicinal uses to science.
© 2013 - Josh Ralph (These are copyrighted photographs, please ask permission before using)
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