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.
Strawberry poison dart frog
Scientific name: Oophaga pumilio

IUCN Status: Least Concern
Family: DENDROBATIDAE
Group: Amphibians
Shyness: Suspicious
Safe distance: 3 m
Breeding season / Courtship: 01.01-31.03
Gestation: N/A
Births: 01.04-30.06
Habitat:
Humid tropical forests and jungles of Central America, especially in Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua, in forested areas near rivers
Description:
The Strawberry Poison Dart Frog is a small, vibrant, and colorful frog from the Dendrobatidae family. This species typically measures between 2 and 3 centimeters in length and is easily recognizable by its bright red or orange color, sometimes speckled with blue or black, hence its name "strawberry." It is primarily found in the humid tropical forests of Central America, particularly in Costa Rica and Panama. Its diet mainly consists of ants, spiders, and other small arthropods, which it primarily captures from the forest floor. The bright coloration of its skin is an indicator of its toxicity, which comes from alkaloids found in its diet, particularly ants. These toxins serve as protection against predators. During the breeding season, the Strawberry Poison Dart Frog lays its eggs on the forest floor or in humid areas where the tadpoles develop, often in small pools of water or tiny puddles. While this species is not in immediate danger, it is threatened by deforestation, habitat loss, and pollution.
Recommended lens:
>=Macro
Photography tips:
Use a macro lens to photograph the strawberry poison dart frog, especially when it is resting on leaves, moss, or the damp forest floor. The soft light of early morning or late afternoon is ideal for capturing its vibrant red body and dark blue legs, along with the fine textures of its skin. Be discreet, avoid sudden movements, and respect its space to avoid disturbing its natural behavior, especially while feeding or during mating activity.
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