Poison Dart Frog

Part of Hall of Reptiles and Amphibians.

A bright yellow frog.

Never mind the deadly toxin the poison dart frog secretes—your life may someday be saved by one. Toxic alkaloids, including those from the poison dart frog, may have unique implications for the treatment of neurological and muscular disorders.

The bright colors of the poison dart frog warn predators that it's one of the most poisonous animals on Earth. Tiny pores in the frog's skin secrete toxins, making it unpalatable to predators as well as an important tool in biomedical research.