Dendrobates azureus
Range
They are found in South America in Suriname and Brazil.
Habitat
They live in tropical rainforests near water.
Body Traits
They are bright blue, with darker blue legs and chest and black speckles. They can reach 1.75 inches (4.5 cm) long and weigh about 1/4 ounce. They have toxins in their skin that protects them from predators. They have four toes on their front feet and five on the back with suction-cup-like tips for gripping. Females are slightly larger with rounder toe tips. Males have heart-shaped toe tips. They have a hunch-backed body shape.
Habits
They active during the day (diurnal). They are territorial using calls to warn away trespassers. They will “wrestle” intruders.
Diet
They eat small insects and spiders.
Reproduction
They breed during the rainy season in late winter. The female will lay her eggs near the water in her mate’s territory – which he will defend. They hatch after about two weeks and take 2.5-3 months to mature.
Lifespan and/or Conservation Status
They live up to 10 years in captivity (they are very popular pets in the U.S.) and less than half that in the wild.
Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Suborder: Neobatrachia
Superfamily: Dendrobatoidea
Family: Dendrobatidae
Genus: Dendrobates
Species: Dendrobates tinctorius