Phyllobates Terribilis
Phyllobates terribilis hail from Columiba and are very interesting frogs despite their fearsome appearance. These are the true poison dart frogs and they possess a toxin called batrachotoxin that is one of the most toxic substances known. A wild terribilis possesses sufficient poison in its skin to kill 10 or more humans. Fortunately captive bred frogs are not toxic in this way although like all amphibians care must be exercised in handling them due to the toxins in their skin that serve as protection against infection.
They are highly terrestial in nature and do well in groups. They will climb to a certain degree, particularly when young but spend most of their time on the vivarium floor. Their normal stance is out in the open, totally ignoring everything (including your hand passing inches in front of their face). But throw in some crickets or other prey and they become animated eating machines. Incredibly cool frogs and highly recommended for the beginner and expert frogger. They have a very beautiful trilling call.
We are fortunate to have both the mint and orange morphs. Our orange morph comes via Joe Nickerson and the line traces back to Sean Stewart. We have a group of five in a 75 gallon vivarium and they have begun to breed. So far egg viability has been low but the tadpoles robust and we have one morphed froglet. Our first two mints came from Black Jungle as froglets and we have a male from that purchase who is ~ 1.5 years old....unfortunately his cagemate perished, apparently due to heat. Terribilis are very sensitive to heat unfortunately. We have obtained 3 juvenile mint terribilis and are growing them up with the plan to introduce them to the male in a new 40 gallon breeder setup.
Update September 15, 2007 - We have introduced the 4 mint terribilis to their new 40 gallon breeder setup complete with waterfall and they have taken to it quite well. The male has been actively calling and at least one of the other terribilis seems to be paying attention to him.
They are highly terrestial in nature and do well in groups. They will climb to a certain degree, particularly when young but spend most of their time on the vivarium floor. Their normal stance is out in the open, totally ignoring everything (including your hand passing inches in front of their face). But throw in some crickets or other prey and they become animated eating machines. Incredibly cool frogs and highly recommended for the beginner and expert frogger. They have a very beautiful trilling call.
We are fortunate to have both the mint and orange morphs. Our orange morph comes via Joe Nickerson and the line traces back to Sean Stewart. We have a group of five in a 75 gallon vivarium and they have begun to breed. So far egg viability has been low but the tadpoles robust and we have one morphed froglet. Our first two mints came from Black Jungle as froglets and we have a male from that purchase who is ~ 1.5 years old....unfortunately his cagemate perished, apparently due to heat. Terribilis are very sensitive to heat unfortunately. We have obtained 3 juvenile mint terribilis and are growing them up with the plan to introduce them to the male in a new 40 gallon breeder setup.
Update September 15, 2007 - We have introduced the 4 mint terribilis to their new 40 gallon breeder setup complete with waterfall and they have taken to it quite well. The male has been actively calling and at least one of the other terribilis seems to be paying attention to him.
Last updated September 15, 2007