Introduction
The Oophaga pumilio, commonly known as the strawberry poison-dart frog or “blue jeans frog,” is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic amphibians. While not frequently seen at Arenal Enjoy, some lucky guests have spotted them in humid forest areas near our property.
Key Features
1. Appearance
- Vibrant colors: Bright red body with blue legs (most common morph), but 15+ color variants exist (black/blue, green/yellow, orange).
- Tiny size: Just 0.7–1 inch long (could fit on a fingernail!).
- Toxic skin: Secretes poisonous alkaloids as defense.
2. Habitat
- Prefers: Humid tropical forests near bromeliads or heliconias (uses leaves as “nurseries”).
- In Arenal: Rare, but occasionally seen in secondary forest trails with high humidity.
3. Unique Behavior
- Diet: Adults eat ants and mites (source of their toxicity).
- Parenting: Females lay eggs on leaves, then carry tadpoles one-by-one to water-filled bromeliads, feeding them unfertilized eggs (their only food!).
Fun Facts
🔹 Not dangerous to humans! Their toxin only affects if ingested or touches open wounds.
🔹 Indigenous people used their poison for hunting darts (hence the name).
🔹 Their colors scream: “I’m toxic, don’t eat me!” (aposematism).
Where to Spot Them in Arenal?
- Best season: Rainy months (May–November), at dawn.
- Look in: Bromeliads 3–6 ft off the ground near streams, leaf litter.
- Pro tip: Move silently (they’re diurnal but skittish).
Bonus knowledge: While they’re daytime creatures, a red-light flashlight (photophobic—sensitive to bright light) could help spot them at dusk without disturbance—though sightings are rare after dark!
