A little damp, very welcome.
Green and Black Poison Dart Frog
Dendrobates auratus
Also called Green-and-black poison arrow frog, Green poison frog, Green poison dart frog
From Humid lowland and foothill forests (0-1,000 m) of south-eastern Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and north-western Colombia. A population was introduced to Oahu, Hawaii, in 1932.12
At a glance the quick version
Average recorded in captivity
Looks how to spot one
Small, smooth-skinned dart frog with climbing toe discs
A small, glossy frog with slim limbs and toe discs that help it climb. Females tend to be a little larger than males.12
Personality what they are like
A curious, always-moving frog that spends daylight hours hopping around in search of food. Males hold small territories and call with a soft, bird-like buzz.21
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Diurnal and rarely still; semi-arboreal, so it hunts, courts and even sleeps up in plants as well as on the ground.21
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Keep in a planted vivarium at 80-100 percent humidity, about 22-27 C by day and not below about 16-18 C at night.3
Home where they are happiest
Tall-enough planted vivarium with leaf litter, climbing plants and small water-holding spots such as bromeliads, mirroring the rainforest floor and low vegetation it uses in the wild.123
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Insectivore. Wild frogs eat mainly ants and mites; in captivity it is fed small insects such as crickets and fruit flies.1
Company who they like around
Gathers in groups before breeding, but males defend territories, so give enough room and visual barriers. Parents, usually the male, carry tadpoles to small pools and keep watch over them.12
The story where it all began
Charles Frederic Girard described the species in 1855. In 1932 frogs were released on Oahu in Hawaii in the hope that they would eat mosquitoes, and they later spread to Maui.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Captive-bred frogs fed on crickets and fruit flies are completely non-toxic.1
- 2
It was introduced to Hawaii in 1932 as a natural mosquito control.1
- 3
Parents carry tadpoles on their backs to tiny pools held in bromeliad leaves.1
- 4
Scientists have studied a compound first found in poison frog skin as a model for new pain-relief medicines.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern1
- CITES
- Appendix II2
- Taxonomy
- Described by Charles Frederic Girard in 18551
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Green and Black Poison Dart Frog. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- MistingKeep the humidity upevery day
- Fresh waterDechlorinated waterevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- FeedingHow often depends on species and agevaries
- Spot cleanevery 2 days
- Full cleanevery month
- Vet check-upFind a vet who sees exotic petsevery year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Green and Black Poison Dart Frog?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding every day, but how often depends on the frog's age and species. Young frogs may need daily small meals, while adults can be fed every other day. Always check with a vet who sees exotic pets for a tailored schedule.1 Furry Diary plan
What does a Green and Black Poison Dart Frog eat, and what should it never eat?
These frogs are insectivores and in captivity eat small insects like crickets and fruit flies. They should never eat wild-caught insects, as these may carry pesticides or parasites. Always dust food with a calcium supplement as advised by an exotic-pet vet.1
How much space does a Green and Black Poison Dart Frog need?
A tall planted vivarium with leaf litter, climbing plants, and small water spots like bromeliads is ideal. For a small group, a 20-gallon tall tank is a good starting size, but more space helps reduce territorial disputes. Consult a good breeder for exact dimensions.213
What temperature, light or water does a Green and Black Poison Dart Frog need?
Keep the vivarium at 22-27°C by day and not below 16-18°C at night, with 80-100% humidity. Use dechlorinated water for misting and a shallow water dish. Furry Diary's plan suggests daily misting and temperature checks.3 Furry Diary plan
How often should I clean a Green and Black Poison Dart Frog's home?
Spot clean every two days to remove waste and uneaten food, and do a full clean once a month. This keeps the humidity and hygiene right for your frog. Furry Diary plan
Can a Green and Black Poison Dart Frog live with others?
Yes, they can gather in groups, but males defend territories, so provide enough space and visual barriers. A group with one male and several females often works well. Ask a good breeder for advice on group setup.21
How long does a Green and Black Poison Dart Frog live?
These frogs typically live around 8 years in captivity with proper care. Providing a stable environment and good diet helps them reach this lifespan.2
Can I handle a Green and Black Poison Dart Frog?
Handling is not recommended because their skin is delicate and sensitive to oils or chemicals on human hands. They are best admired in their vivarium, as handling can stress them. If you must move them, use a soft container.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Green and black poison dart frog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for range, Hawaii introduction, status, size, colours, behaviour, diet, history
- Dendrobates auratus - Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan) animaldiversity.orgused for size, lifespan, behaviour, reproduction, CITES
- Poison dart frog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for captive humidity and temperature
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.