Phyllobates exitalis
| Angel dart frog | |
|---|---|
| File:Dart Frog01.jpg | |
| Captive Angle dart frog | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia
|
| Phylum: | Chordata
|
| Class: | Amphibia
|
| Order: | Anura
|
| Family: | Dendrobatidae
|
| Genus: | Phyllobates
|
| Species: | P. exitalis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Phyllobates exitalis LaSalle, 1820
| |
Phyllobates exitalis, the Angel dart frog, is a highly toxic species of dart frog endemic to the cloud forests of Central Marindino. It is known for its extremely lightly colored skin, most often white but sometimes dull gold or mint-green. This small frog grows to a maximum size of 3-4cm in the wild, however specimens in captive environments have been known to exceed 4.5cm. It preys on poisonus myriad beetles, for which its toxin is derived and purified. If this species is not fed its wild diet in captivity, they will lack the deadliness of their wild cousins.
Conservation
Phyllobates exitalis is considered Near Threatened due its restricted range. This species is only found in Alto Verté National Park, Inçiédo-Miraco Preserve, and an undeveloped river valley outside of the town of Antioquí.
Despite its remote and isolated range, the current population has been declared stable. Because most of its habitat is on protected land, it is unlikely the number of P. exitalis in the wild will decline. Currently, the biggest threat facing this species is acid rain.
Human Uses
Historically, the toxin from this species has been used by indigenous Coacuendo Amerindians to poison their bows and blow darts when hunting, as well as warfare. They would stress the frogs by squeezing them with a banana leaf, causing them to begin excreting toxins which the tips of weapons were then rubbed in. Arrowheads and dart tips from these frogs remained lethal over a month after initial poisoning.
The Inyurstan National Intelligence Service (NIS) is alleged to use the poison of Phyllobates exitalis to assasinate high-value targets. NIS has neither confirmed nor denied these allegations.
Due to its bright color and dangerous reputation, the Angel dart frog is known to be sold in the pet trade. They require intensive care in order to maintain the high moisture level, and tempertutres that are too hot or too cold can cause stress and even death. Without their natural diet, these frogs become non-poisonous in captivity.
Toxicity
Phyllobates exitalis produces an extremely potent batrachotoxic poison. In mice, they have an LD50 as low as 0.002mg/kg, which scientists have estimated translates to an LD50 of roughly 0.02mg/kg in humans. A single frog carries a milligram of batrachotoxin on average.
Phyllobates exitalis is considered the most toxic animal in Inyursta; and is only matched by its close cousin in Colombia, Phyllobates terribilis in terms of toxicity.,