Description
Other Names (How it Got Its Names)
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Common names: Green and Black Poison Dart Frog, Auratus Dart Frog.
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Auratus means “golden” in Latin — the species was originally described from gold-tinged forms.
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The Green & Black morph is the most iconic and widespread, named for its metallic green or turquoise patterning contrasted with jet-black markings.
Characteristics
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Hardy, bold dart frog species with striking coloration.
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Widely distributed in Central and South America, with many regional color variations.
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Known for being slightly more secretive than D. tinctorius or D. leucomelas, but still active in well-planted vivaria.
Recommended Vivarium Size
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Minimum: 18” x 18” x 18” for a pair or trio.
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Larger setups (24” x 18” x 18” or bigger) are best for groups.
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Provide dense planting, leaf litter, and horizontal as well as vertical climbing space.
Temperature
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Daytime: 72–78°F (22–25°C).
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Nighttime: 68–72°F (20–22°C).
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Avoid extended exposure above 80°F.
Humidity
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70–90%, with regular misting.
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Likes moist leaf litter and microclimates but also benefits from ventilation.
Size of Frog
Life Span
Feeding
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Main diet: fruit flies (D. melanogaster and D. hydei).
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Supplements: springtails, isopods, pinhead crickets.
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Feed daily; dust prey with calcium and vitamins 2–3 times per week.
Color/Pattern
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Metallic green or turquoise base coloration with irregular black banding or spots.
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Pattern and brightness can vary depending on locality and genetics.
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In good lighting, the green often appears iridescent.
Social Behavior
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Can be housed in pairs or small groups.
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More tolerant of group living than some other dart frogs but still monitor for dominance, especially among males.
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Slightly shy in heavily trafficked rooms but grow bolder with time.
How to Determine Sex
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Males: slightly smaller, slimmer, with toe pads adapted for calling; produce soft trills.
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Females: larger, rounder, especially when gravid.
How to Breed
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Provide moist laying sites such as petri dishes, film canisters, or leaf axils.
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Males call to attract females, fertilizing eggs externally.
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Eggs hatch in 10–14 days; tadpoles can be removed and raised in separate aquatic setups.
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Metamorphosis occurs in ~2–3 months depending on care.
