The ancient ancestors of frogs appeared on Earth approximately 290 million years ago, and nature decreed that the most beautiful representatives of tailless amphibians are also the most dangerous. Tree frogs, frogs and toads mostly use toxic poisons for defense, and rarely attack first. In our small review presents the most poisonous frogs that have chosen the tropical forests, swamps and reservoirs of our amazing planet. And you can see in the article on our website the site
Phyllomedusa bicolor
Among tropical forests, located in the Amazon basin, lives such a beautiful, but rather dangerous phyllomedusa from the tree frog family.
The poison is not very toxic, but may cause distress gastrointestinal tract, hallucinations, severe allergies. Local Indians use its poison to treat all kinds of diseases and in initiation rites to enter a trance.
It is often called the monkey frog, and its habits make it a very curious amphibian. The species is listed as endangered and is therefore protected.
Striped leaf climber / Phyllobates vittatus
These colored frogs, living in the southwest of Costa Rica, with their striking appearance warn that they are dangerous and it is better to avoid these wonderful creatures.
Easily identified by the characteristic yellow stripe running down the back. The stripes run along the head and along the sides of the abdomen, which is why the frog received its specific name.
It is not possible to notice it right away, since it prefers to hide in crevices and between stones. The poison, when it gets on human skin, causes severe pain and can even lead to paralysis.
Blue Darter / Dendrobates azureus
The cute creature, as seen in the photo, with a characteristic blue coloration, prefers savannas and tropical rainforests, and feeds mainly on small insects.
Even a small concentration of poison is enough to kill large natural enemies, and deaths among humans have also been recorded in history. They grow up to 5 cm in length, and live among the foliage, gathering in groups of up to 50 individuals.
Despite mortal danger, lovers wildlife, get an American inhabitant as a pet.
Charming leaf climber / Phyllobates lugubris
Species name of the inhabitant Atlantic coast Central America is completely consistent with the appearance of the frog. Multi-colored stripes run along the black body, from yellow to bright golden.
Not as poisonous as other representatives of the leaf climber genus, but able to defend itself from natural enemies. Possessing poison, it does not hide much, so it can easily be found on forest paths and the banks of rivers and reservoirs.
They are distinguished by leaf climbers and huge bulging eyes on a relatively small head.
Red-backed poison frog / Ranitomeya reticulatus
This beauty, possessing a medium-strength poison, lives among natural beauty Peru. It got its name from the characteristic red color of its back, while the rest of the body is spotted.
Despite the not very toxic poison produced by the glands of the frog, it is enough to cause health problems in humans, as well as kill the animal.
The frog receives poison by eating poisonous ants, and uses it in moments of danger. At other times, it is stored in glands on the frog's body.
In Panama and Costa Rica you can find one of the most poisonous toads, which has a bright color and does not grow more than 5 cm. Note that males are usually smaller and reach a length of only 3 cm.
When poison gets on the skin, the channels of nerve endings are blocked, and the person experiences a loss of coordination of movement, the person begins to have convulsions, and the sad result of all this can be complete paralysis.
Unfortunately, an antidote has not yet been invented, but it is necessary to carry out general detoxification in time, and then irreparable consequences for the health of the human body can be avoided.
Poison tree frog / Trachycephalus venulosus
A rather large frog, growing up to 9 cm in length, comes from Brazil, which is why it is also called the Brazilian tree frog.
It has an unusual coloration, consisting of spots of various sizes, forming a concentric pattern throughout the body. Distinctive feature There are also small red spots on the back and neck of the amphibian.
Prefer most lives in trees, and during breeding periods they move closer to bodies of water. Females lay eggs in ponds and lakes, which may dry out, but the offspring still survive early.
Little poison dart frog / Oophaga pumilio
A very tiny, red tropical frog lives high in the mountains among the ancient trees of the tropical forests of Central and South America.
Bright, literally flashy coloring is a warning signal. It is better to avoid it so as not to get severe burns and health problems.
The poison is concentrated in the glands, and they get it by eating poisonous ants. It is noteworthy that he has one natural enemy- an ordinary one, on which poison dart frog has no effect.
Bernhard's Mantella / Mantella bernhardi
A resident of the island of Madagascar hides among fallen leaves, hunting for flies and other insects.
It has a characteristic black color, and males also have a horseshoe-shaped spot on their neck. Females do not have such a pattern, but they are larger in size than males.
A frog is not born poisonous, but over time the skin produces toxic poison, which leads to burns and allergies. This species of mantella leads the most active lifestyle among other African species.
Common Toad / Bufo bufo
The distribution area of the gray toad is quite extensive, from the Siberian expanses of Russia to the western tip of Europe and North Africa.
The largest toad living in Europe is also poisonous. The poisonous toad is especially dangerous to livestock, as well as to humans. It is extremely undesirable for the venom of this amphibian to get into the eyes or onto the oral mucosa.
Another interesting point, in times of danger, the toad takes a threatening pose, rising high on its paws.
Spotted poison frog / Ranitomeya variabilis
Meet this forest beauty, whose body is painted with spots different colors and sizes, it is possible only in the vastness of Peru, and also in Ecuador.
But this beauty is deceptive, since the frog is one of the most poisonous creatures Latin America. Even a small amount of poison is enough to kill 5 people.
The poison is so toxic that light touch may cause harm to amphibians great harm health. One consolation is that the frog is very calm and will never attack first.
Yeah / Rhinella marina
The poisonous tropical toad takes an honorable second place among all toads, but its toxicity makes it a leader among poisonous amphibians.
The largest specimen reached a size of 24 cm, although on average the toad grows from 15 to 17 cm. It comes from Central America, but to fight insects they were brought to Australia, from where Aga settled on the islands of Oceania.
The strongest poison affects the heart and affects the nervous system. The most dangerous thing is that the green toad can shoot poison over a distance.
Terrible leaf climber / Phyllobates terribilis
A small inhabitant of the tropical forests on the southwestern tip of Colombia poison frog in the world.
Adults grow no more than 2-4 cm, and the color is contrasting and quite bright. Yellow frogs so poisonous that even a slight touch to it is enough to cause death. Phyllobates terribilis is born non-poisonous, and then, by consuming insects, it produces poison.
The most interesting thing is that in captivity, the Colombian poison frog gradually loses its poisonousness, since the diet does not contain insects, which contribute to the production of the deadly poison.
Summarize
So we met, albeit beautiful, but very dangerous frogs, and, unfortunately, messages about people being poisoned by frogs quite often appear on news feeds. In nature, everything is thought out to the smallest detail, and the unusual color and appearance of amphibians acts as a kind of warning that this is a dangerous and poisonous creature.
The aga toad (lat. Bufo marinus) is one of the most poisonous animals on the planet, belongs to the amphibian class, the order Tailless, the real family, the genus of toad. It is also called the cane toad. There are no subspecies of this toad.
Toad aha - description, characteristics and photographs.
The size of the amphibian is truly impressive: the aga toad sometimes weighs more than 1 kg, the body length is on average about 16 cm, although in rare cases can reach 20 cm. Interestingly, females are larger than males. Only one species of toad can compete with the aga in size - this is the largest toad on the planet, Blomberg's toad ( Bufo blombergi).
This amphibian cannot be called cute: the back of the poisonous aga toad is gray or deep brown, covered with large dark spots. The abdomen is yellowish and also covered with dark spots, but smaller ones. The skin is warty and heavily keratinized. Horizontally located pupils are a consequence of the nocturnal lifestyle of the aga toad. Like other toad species, the agi has webbed feet.
Where does the aga toad live? On what continent?
The poisonous aga toad is native to South and Central America, with a habitat ranging from the Rio Grande River in Texas to northeastern Peru and the Amazonian lowland. The amphibian does not tolerate cold, therefore all habitats of the aga toad, both natural and newly acquired, are located in tropical and temperate climate. The aga toad was artificially introduced into a number of countries and regions: Australia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, some Caribbean and Pacific islands. This was done in order to poisonous toad exterminated agricultural pests. However poisonous properties this amphibian aggressor was underestimated: in addition to pests, native species of amphibians and domestic animals also suffered from the poison of the agi toad.
Poison of the toad agi.
The postauricular glands, which produce the famous aga toad venom, are located at the back of the skull. In addition, there are many tiny poisonous glands on the skin of the back and head. A dog or cat that is bitten by a cane toad dies instantly. It is also dangerous for humans: the deadly poison of the aga toad can penetrate the body, even if you simply pick up the amphibian with your hands. Sensing a threat, the aga immediately shoots poison at the enemy.
What does the aga toad eat?
The poisonous aga toad is distinguished from many other species of toads that feed mainly on insects by its omnivorous nature. Going hunting in the dark, this predatory amphibian, thanks to its poison, kills and eats not only various insects and worms, but also small rodents, such as mice, as well as birds, other toads and frogs. If necessary, the cane toad can be content with carrion.
Reproduction of the agi toad.
The poisonous aga toad is very prolific. Mating season The amphibian season coincides with the rainy season, which lasts from June to October, which creates a favorable humid environment for this species of toad. Males call potential mates with specific mating songs, reminiscent of the purring of a big cat. A female aga toad can lay up to 35 thousand eggs, from which, after 3-7 days, small black tadpoles appear, feeding on algae or plant debris throughout their “childhood.” Surprisingly, the tadpoles of the cane toad, and even the eggs, are as poisonous as their parents, and poison the water in which they were born. In captivity, the poisonous aga toad can live up to 15 years, while in natural environment life cycle rarely exceeds a period of 10 years.
The most poisonous frogs, ironically, have the most amazing and beautiful appearance, however, it is extremely undesirable to touch them. Just one touch to the skin of these creatures can cost you your life. Find out more about the most poisonous, but very colorful and beautiful frogs.
1) Bicolor phyllomedusa
Phyllomedusa bicolor
This large frog, often called the monkey frog, is very curious. Although its venom is not as dangerous as that of some other representatives of the frog world, most of us are unlikely to want to try its effects: the venom can cause unpleasant hallucinations or stomach problems. We say "most of us" because some tribes on the banks of the Amazon do deliberately use their poison to induce hallucinations.
2) Spotted poison dart frog
Dendrobates tinctorius
This amazing beauty The frog can have different skin colors; it is interesting not only because its skin is poisonous, which should not be forgotten, but also because its poison has a special effect on parrots. Aboriginal peoples The Amazon uses frog poison to change the color of the feathers of parrots.
3) Red-backed poison frog
Ranitomeya reticulatus
Native to Peru, this frog has a mild venom that can cause health problems in humans and can kill some animals. Like other poisonous frogs, these beautiful little creatures require special food to produce their poison. In this case, the “raw material” of poison for them is poisonous ant. The frog stores poison in the skin glands and releases it as needed. Most often this happens in case of danger, when some predator is about to eat the frog.
4) Little poison dart frog
Dendrobates pumilio
Very small in size, but quite bright and beautiful, this strawberry frog is found in the impenetrable forests of Central America. Its bright color warns: “Stay away or you will get burned.” You should take the threat seriously, as the frog can really sting painfully, and the sensation is similar to a burn.
5) Blue dart frog
Dendrobates azureus
This frog is really very cute, as can be seen from the photo. However, its beautiful and bright color does not bode well: its poison is enough to kill even the largest natural predator; there are cases where even people died from this poison. However, some brave people keep these creatures at home as pets. How is this possible, you ask? Fortunately, in captivity, frogs lose their poisonous properties, because they do not receive special food to produce poison, and they don’t need it, since no one will harm them in the aquarium. The frog retains its wonderful appearance, but loses its poison. This applies to all frogs on our list.
6) Charming leaf climber
Phyllobates lugubris
The charming leaf climber is the least poisonous of its genus, although it still makes its victims bitterly regret that they tried to attack it. He is called "charming frog" only because of his appearance. If you want to find representatives of this species in nature, you should go to Central America. It is unlikely that you will have to look for it for a long time, since such poisonous creatures are usually not going to hide from someone.
7) Striped leaf climber
Phyllobates vittatus
As with the frogs mentioned above, these small amphibians with their bright colors warn enemies that they are not as defenseless as they seem, so you should stay away from them. The venom of these creatures causes severe pain and can even lead to paralysis.
8) Spotted poison frog
Ranitomeya variabilis
These beautiful creatures live in tropical forests Ecuador and Peru and are among the most poisonous representatives of the genus Ranitomeya. The poison of one frog can be enough to kill 5 people! Although the frog looks very cute, it should not be touched under any circumstances. Even if you are lucky enough to visit the forests of Ecuador or Peru, you should not be afraid to encounter a frog. She will never attack first.
9) Three-striped leaf climber
Epipedobates tricolor
These frogs are very small, but are one of the most deadly amphibians. They can kill not only large animals, but also humans, so no one would think of playing with them. Frogs are endangered, so they can rarely be found even in their homeland - in the forests of Ecuador. To save these frogs and increase their numbers, researchers are trying to breed them in captivity. It is also important to preserve them with medical point view: the poison of these frogs is 200 times stronger than morphine and is an excellent pain reliever.
10) Terrible leaf climber
Phyllobates terribilis
This extremely poisonous frog lives in Colombia. Despite their eye-catching appearance, these creatures are not the type to play with: their bright colors warn of danger. In fact, these frogs are so poisonous that a person can die just by touching them, hence the name. Dire leaf climbers do not use venom to kill their prey, but only to protect themselves from predators. Therefore, if you see frogs in the forest, but do not try to touch them, they will not cause you any harm.
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Any Living being instinctively strives for self-preservation. To achieve this, animals use a variety of defense techniques. Some have a dense shell, others have sharp claws, and some defend themselves from enemies with deadly poisons. For example, this is exactly what the most poisonous frogs in the world do.
Similar substances are contained inside many amphibians, but most often the maximum that contact with them leads to is irritation of the skin or mucous membranes. However, when it comes to tropical animals, everything changes. If you see a frog painted in bright colors, you should stay as far away from her as possible.
The bicolor phyllomedusa is a representative of one of the most large families tailless amphibians, tree frogs. These are quite small frogs, the size of which usually does not exceed 119 mm. You can meet phyllomedusa in areas adjacent to the Amazon basin. Occasionally she appears in Brazilian savannas and the forests of the Cerrado.
The animal has green color, the belly can be white or cream. On the limbs and chest of the phyllomedusa you can see several white spots that have dark edges. The frog's eyes are equipped with special glands that allow it to see freely while in water. It is a widespread species overall, but is still endangered.
Compared to some other frogs found in the Amazon, the bicolor phyllomedusa is relatively non-venomous. If her discharge gets on skin, then the person will not die, although he will develop gastrointestinal disorders, and there is also a high risk of hallucinations. Phyllomidusa venom is used by Indian tribes in initiation rites for men and women, and it is also used to make some folk medicines.
The family of tailless amphibians called dart frogs are distinguished by big amount poisonous representatives. For example, among them stands out the spotted dart frog, which is also known as the dye frog. In nature, they can be of various colors, but any variant of them is very dangerous for humans.
The spotted poison dart frog can be seen mainly during the daytime in tropical forests. They prefer lower tiers in the territories of Guyana, French Guiana, Brazil and Suriname. In terms of body shape and size, the spotted poison dart frog does not differ from ordinary large frogs. As a rule, females are larger than males, their maximum size can reach eight centimeters.
The color of the spotted dart frog depends on its subspecies. For example, there are Citronellas, the back and sides of which are painted bright yellow, and the rest of the body is black or blue. At the same time, the color of the animal can change for a variety of reasons, ranging from the color of the soil to the mood of Citronella.
The skin of spotted dart frogs contains batrachotoxin alkaloids. If they get to human body, will have a very negative impact on the state of the cardiovascular system, even to the point of cardiac arrest. It is believed that poisonous substance accumulates in the poison dart frog's body due to eating ants and mites. It is used by Indians to create wind weapons.
If the poison simply gets on a person’s skin, then it does not pose a serious danger. In this case, a burning sensation is felt, and a slight headache. Despite its toxicity, because of its beautiful appearance and behavioral characteristics, spotted dart frogs are actively raised at home.
Opinions vary as to what the blue dart frog is. Some highlight it in separate species dart frogs, while others consider it a subspecies of the previous representative of the most poisonous frogs in the world, the spotted dart frog. This animal is of average size - no more than five centimeters. As the name suggests, the body is painted blue, while the paws are blue. There are many black spots on the surface of the skin.
Most often you can find the blue dart frog in the largest district of Suriname, Sipaliwini. These frogs prefer the ground and foliage of savannah rainforests. Here they find insects for food. Blue dart frogs are being actively hunted by local hunters and are therefore endangered.
This species differs from most poison dart frogs by combining large groups. Usually about fifty individuals live together. They live on coastal rocks, which are covered with bushes. Females use a nearby body of water to lay eggs and raise tadpoles.
Blue dart frogs use their venom for more than just repelling predators. With its help the animal fights pathogenic microorganisms, like bacteria and fungi. Like most spotted poison dart frogs, the blue is also a popular terrarium animal.
In the poison dart frog family, there is a genus with a similar name – leaf frogs. The striped leaf climber is predominantly black, but has a bright stripe on its back. In some individuals it is yellow. A wide stripe of bright orange, red or gold runs along the frog's face and all the way to the base of the thigh. There is also a white line on their bodies that extends beyond the shoulder.
The paws of striped leaf climbers have blue-green tint thanks to the many small specks. Also on the underside, light spots of blue and green colors create a marble pattern. Striped leaf climbers are distinguished by their very small size. Adult males grow to a maximum of 26 mm, while females can be 31 mm.
You can meet such frogs in the bay Pacific Ocean, which is called Golfo Dulce, or wet forests near Costa Rica. Striped leaf climbers live in high terrain, up to 500 m above sea level. They hide between tree roots and in rocky crevices, leading a predominantly terrestrial lifestyle.
Among the dart frogs and the genus of leaf climbers, one frog stands out, which this moment recognized as the most poisonous in the world. Its name alone speaks volumes - the terrible leaf climber. This is a medium-sized animal, up to four centimeters, with a very bright and contrasting color. Unlike most frogs, female and male dire leaf climbers do not differ in size.
The animals are common in the southwestern tropical forests of Colombia. During the daytime, they are actively engaged in searching for and eating ticks, ants and other small insects. They require a relatively large amount of food, and just three or four days of starvation are quite capable of killing a healthy individual.
The individual itself is capable of killing almost anyone. The poison batrachotoxin does not have to be ingested by a person to cause death. Touching the dreaded foliage is enough to cause the death of a living being. Local tribes use the poison of just one frog to create several dozen poisonous arrows.
Despite this degree of toxicity, terrible leaf climbers are actively grown in captivity. However, in terrariums they have to eat other food, and therefore they gradually stop producing poison. If leaf climber offspring are born in captivity, they are no longer poisonous.
None of us will be surprised by the fact that there are Poisonous snakes. But if the same thing is said about toads, many will not believe it. This fact doesn’t really fit into our heads. However, among all the diversity of the fauna of our planet you will not find anyone. There are, for example, even flying lizards! There are also poisonous toads. One of these representatives has a very sonorous and succinct name - yeah. Below you can see her photo.
The southern North and northern South America are considered to be the homeland of the aga toad. It came to Asia through introduction, that is, through artificial dispersal. The man brought her to the Philippines, Taiwan, New Guinea, Australia with good intentions. People thought that this voracious predator would effectively fight insects that harm agriculture.
After all, the aha toad destroys in its life a large number of insects Although, in addition to them, it also feeds on small animals - rodents, lizards, almost all species of gastropods that inhabit the same territory with it.
Yeah - one of the most large lizards on the ground. Its length from nose to hind legs is 13-17 cm. They weigh about a kilogram. It moves quickly - in small but frequent leaps. It is clear that with such physical characteristics it will quickly destroy the bulk of insect pests.
But people seriously miscalculated. Instead of hunting harmful insects, she found other food that was much easier to obtain. IN Asian countries she began to attack local frogs and lizards. In addition, the aga toad began to multiply very quickly, causing enormous damage to local animal populations.
This poisonous toad, in addition to directly destroying native animals, competes with them for food.
Also, a lot of predators die from their poison, which mistakenly attack ag, confusing them with local harmless frogs. Even crocodiles and snakes die from their poison! To intimidate his opponent, the aga can inflate.
They are mostly active at dusk and at night. During the day they rest in shelters.
The poison of these toads is fatal to all animals, including humans. Not many cases of death from it have been recorded, but they still happen.
Their poisonous liquid is located in the glands located behind the eyes. Also, this liquid flows from the glands through special holes and spreads over the skin. Therefore, even simply touching a toad can cause intoxication.
In some cases, the aga can even “shoot” poison at the attacker. And if you swallow this amphibian, then certain death awaits the unwary animal.
Poisoning with aga toad poison has the following symptoms - salivation, nausea, increased blood pressure, deep damage nervous system and as a result - death from cardiac arrest.
Many people suffer from this toad and confuse it with non-poisonous ones. On early periods Its development is very similar to other frogs both in size and color - see photo.
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