The reason for this discrepency is not apparent, although it may be reasonably concluded that transport of the young is accomplished by their father. There are conflicting reports of the paternal care of these frogs, with some accounts indicating that the male of this species transports the fertilized eggs in his mouth to water (Honolulu Zoo, 2003) and others indicating that the male transports tadpoles to water after the eggs have hatched (Lehmann, 2003). It is the male's duty to keep the eggs moist so they can grow. The eggs are then fertilized, protected and maintained by the male. Male poison dart frogs find the best site for the female to deposit a few large eggs, usually on the underside of a leaf that is near water. Range length 31 to 50 mm 1.22 to 1.97 in.Females of this species are often larger and more robust than the males. These frogs are known to produce toxic chemicals in their skin, making htem poisonous to most would-be predators. This bright coloration undoubtedly represents aposematic coloration, which is defined as having conspicuously bright colors that are used as a warning of danger or distastefulness to potential predators. As an individual frog ages, the black bands often break off into spots. This species is defined by its distinctive yellow and black bands across the body.

Range elevation 50 to 800 m 164.04 to 2624.67 ftĭendrotes leucomelas is one of the largest species in the genus Dendrobates, with an adult body (snout to vent) length ranging from 3.1 to 5 cm, although individuals are only rarely more than 4 cm.These frogs have been reported at elevations of 50 to 800 m above sea level. They are found in lowland regions with average temperatures of 26 to 30 degrees celsius or above. Tadpoles can be found in epiphyllic plants such as bromeliads. Yellow-banded poison dart frogs prefer humid or wet habitats and can be found on forest soil in moist stones, wet tree trunks, and roots of rainforest trees.

The range includes Venezuela, northern Brazil, Guyana and southeastern Colombia. Yellow banded poison dart frogs, Dendrobates leucomelas, are found in the Neotropical region, in northern South America.

Frog in pocket