Fauna
Amphibian

Three-striped Poison Frog

Ameerega trivittata

Also known as Three-striped Poison Dart Frog, Three-striped Dart Frog

Three-striped poison frogs forage across the dark leaf litter of Amazonian rain forests, searching for small invertebrates. Males defend small territories on the forest floor, using buzzing calls to attract females before brooding eggs on fallen leaves. Once hatched, the male carries his tadpoles on his back to nearby water-filled tree hollows or stream margins to complete their development.

DiurnalPoisonousAmphibian
Three-striped Poison Frog reference1 / 7
(c) Rafael Bernhard, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Rafael Bernhard · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAnts, Termites, Beetles
Predators
  • Snakes
  • Spiders
  • Birds
ThreatsDeforestation, habitat fragmentation
HabitatsHumid lowland rainforest, leaf litter
Life span5–10 years
Classification
  1. FamilyDendrobatidae
  2. SpeciesAmeerega trivittata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Secretes lipophilic alkaloid toxins through the skin; avoid handling with bare hands.
Why it is dangerous
Secretes toxic alkaloids through dermal glands that can cause irritation or illness if handled or ingested.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognizable by its dark body with three vivid yellow or green stripes down its back.
What to do
Observe from a respectful distance and never touch with unprotected hands.
Responsible observation
  • Spotting: Search through humid leaf litter near streams during daylight hours.
  • Listening: Listen for low-pitched buzzing calls echoing from the forest floor.
  • Photography: Use a macro lens from a safe distance without disturbing leaf litter.
Related species
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