The Dendrobates auratus "Highland Bronze" is a specific color morph of the green and black poison dart frog originating from the rainforests near the Provincia de Cocle highlands in Panama. This morph is particularly popular among hobbyists for its hardiness and suitability for beginners.
Characteristics
Coloration: The coloration is primarily a green to blue base, overlaid with a metallic bronze or dark brown reticulated (net-like) pattern. The exact shades and patterns can vary among individuals, from dark to pale and bright.
Size: A medium-sized dart frog, adults generally reach up to 1.5 inches (38 mm) or larger in length. Females tend to be slightly larger than males. Behavior: They are diurnal (active during the day) and primarily terrestrial, spending most of their time on the forest floor. They are generally considered shy but hardy, and their call is quiet. They can be kept in groups, provided the enclosure is spacious with plenty of hiding spots.
Toxicity: In the wild, they are toxic, acquiring defensive alkaloids from their natural diet of specific ants and insects. Captive-bred frogs, lacking this specific diet, are not poisonous.
Habitat and Care (in Captivity)
Origin: The highlands of Panama, specifically near the Provincia de Cocle.
Terrarium: A tropical vivarium setup is required, featuring high humidity (40-70%, with higher misting needed), abundant leaf litter, live plants, and numerous hiding spots. A general guideline is 1 square foot of space per frog.
Temperature: An ideal temperature range is 70–80°F (21–27°C) during the day, with a slight drop at night.
Humidity: Requires high humidity levels, maintained through daily misting or an automated system.
Diet: They are insectivores and should be fed small, live, vitamin-dusted insects in captivity, such as flightless fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster and D. hydei), along with springtails and isopods.
Breeding: They are considered easy to breed in captivity. Females lay small clutches of 3-10 eggs in a secluded spot, which the male then guards and transports the resulting tadpoles to a small body of water.
