The poison dart frog is a small but incredibly potent amphibian native to Central and South America. Known for its vibrant colors, ranging from bright yellows and oranges to blues and greens, the poison dart frog’s vivid appearance is a warning to potential predators: “Stay away.”

Despite their small size, typically no larger than 2 inches (5 centimeters), poison dart frogs are among the most poisonous animals on Earth. The most infamous of these is the golden poison dart frog (Phyllobates terribilis), which carries enough batrachotoxin in its skin to kill 10 adult humans or 20,000 mice. This toxin disrupts nerve signals, leading to paralysis and, in high enough doses, death.

Interestingly, poison dart frogs do not produce the toxin themselves; they acquire it through their diet in the wild, which consists of ants, mites, and other small insects. In captivity, where they are fed a diet devoid of these toxic insects, poison dart frogs are not poisonous, making them safe for enthusiasts to keep as pets.