Blue Poison Dart Frog

The Blue Poison Dart Frog or blue poison arrow frog (Dendrobates tinctorius "azureus") is a poison dart frog found in the forests surrounded by the Sipaliwini Savanna, which is located in southern Suriname (known in Surinamese Dutch as blauwe pijlgifkikker) and adjacent far northern Brazil. D. tinctorius azureus is also known by its indigenous Tirio name, okopipi. Its scientific name comes from its azure (blue) color. While frequently considered a valid species in the past, recent authorities treat it as a variant of D. tinctorius.

D. tinctorius "Azureus" is a medium-sized frog that weighs about 8 g and grows to 3.0-4.5 cm in length. Males have larger toes, but females are bigger and roughly half a centimeter longer. In the wild, the frog typically lives five to seven years. It serves as a warning to predators with its vivid blue skin, which is often darker around its limbs and tummy. A defense mechanism against possible predators was found in the glands of toxic alkaloids. These toxins immobilize and occasionally kill the prey. Each frog has a distinct pattern of black dots that allow for identification. The posture of this frog species is characterized by its hunchback. Each foot has four toes, which each have a flattened tip with a suction cup pad used for gripping. The tips of the toes in females are round, while males have heart-shaped tips.