ANIMAL: Blessed Poison Frog Ranitomeya benedicta Type of Animal: Frog Habitat: Forest Location(s): S Loreto & E San Martin Region of NE Peru Appearance: Small frog w/ red head, black markings over eyes, black limbs/dorsum, blue reticulated pattern, females larger than males Food/Diet: Insects, insect larvae, mites, worms Status in Wild: Threatened Conservation: Breeding in zoos, aquariums, & herpetoculture. Most captive specimens in North America derive from Canadian conservation-driven company Understory Enterprises. Lifestyle: Small groups of 2-8 frogs Additional Info: Called: Male Female Young: Tadpole Group: Army Weight: Male: 0.044 oz Female: 0.047 oz Gestation: 1-2 weeks Life Span: 5-8 years Body Length: Male: 0.64-0.65 in Female: 0.72-0.79 in Main predators are birds & snakes. Threatened due to habitat loss, deforestation, limited range, water pollution, & pet trade. Nest either on ground or in bromeliads. Male finds suitable area for egg deposition & begin chorus to attract female. If female approves, she deposits 1-6 eggs, which male then fertilizes. When eggs ready to hatch, male transports them to water at bromeliad base. Tadpole stage lasts around 2 months. After that stage, they become froglets until adulthood reached at 5 months old. Like all Poison Frogs, they have good eyesight. Coloration serves as warning to potential predators. Active during day (diurnal). Capture prey using sticky tongue. Adhesive toe tips aid in climbing trees. Juveniles are much more nervous than adults. Males chirp to attract females. Fun Fact(s): While poisonous in wild, they lose much/all toxicity in captivity. In captivity, they’re only fed nontoxic prey items. In wild, they eat lots of poisonous insects & mites. Like other poison dart frogs, these frogs have potential medical value due to toxins. Each frog has own unique pattern, similar to human fingerprints. Hunters use skin toxins on darts/arrows.
