Three-striped Poison Frog

The Three-striped Poison Frog (Epipedobates trivittatus, formerly classified as Ameerega trivittata) is found throughout the Amazon Basin in South America. Its range extends across multiple countries including Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, and Bolivia. It inhabits the tropical rainforest floor, typically in leaf litter near small streams or pools.

The Three-striped Poison Frog is moderately toxic compared to other species in the poison dart frog family, though it is far less dangerous than the Golden Poison Frog (Phyllobates terribilis). Its skin secretes alkaloid toxins derived from its diet of ants and other small arthropods. The pale dorsolateral stripes running down its dark back serve as warning coloration to potential predators.

The Three-striped Poison Frog is a small terrestrial amphibian, typically reaching about 3 to 4 centimeters in length from snout to vent. It is larger than many popular poison dart frogs in the hobby but remains compact. Females are generally similar in size to males, with males being the primary caregivers for tadpoles.

Like many species in the poison dart frog family, Three-striped Poison Frogs exhibit parental care, with males transporting tadpoles on their backs to small pools of water in the forest. These pools often form in tree holes, bromeliads, or other small water-holding structures. The male carries each tadpole individually to a separate pool to prevent cannibalism among siblings.