Description
Other Names (How it Got Its Names)
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Common names: Bicolor Poison Dart Frog, Black-Legged Poison Dart Frog.
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Phyllobates means “leaf climber,” reflecting their arboreal tendencies.
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“Bicolor” refers to their two-tone coloration: a bold golden-orange to yellow body contrasted with darker legs.
Characteristics
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Large, robust dart frog species.
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One of the more toxic dart frogs in the wild (like its relative, P. terribilis), though captive-bred frogs are non-toxic.
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Known for being bold and fairly active in captivity.
Recommended Vivarium Size
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Minimum: 18” x 18” x 18” for a pair or trio.
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Larger enclosures (24” x 18” x 18” or bigger) are recommended for groups due to their size and activity.
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Provide dense ground cover, live plants, leaf litter, and some vertical climbing options.
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 exposure above 80°F.
Humidity
Size of Frog
Life Span
Feeding
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Diet: fruit flies (D. melanogaster and D. hydei), pinhead crickets, springtails, and isopods.
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Feed daily; dust prey with calcium and multivitamins regularly.
Color/Pattern
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Golden-yellow to orange body coloration, with contrasting black or dark-colored legs.
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Some individuals show partial greenish hues.
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Pattern is usually solid without spots or bands, giving them a bold, clean look.
Social Behavior
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More tolerant of group housing than many dart frogs, especially in larger enclosures.
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Males call with a soft buzzing trill but are generally not aggressive.
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Active and bold — often visible during the day.
How to Determine Sex
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Males: smaller, slimmer, with toe pads adapted for calling; produce advertisement calls.
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Females: larger and rounder, especially when gravid.
How to Breed
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Provide smooth laying surfaces (petri dishes, film canisters, broad leaves).
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Males call to attract females; eggs are laid on moist surfaces.
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Eggs hatch in ~10–14 days; tadpoles should be collected and raised in aquatic setups.
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Tadpoles metamorphose into froglets in 2–3 months depending on diet and care.
⭐ Phyllobates bicolor is valued as a larger dart frog with bold coloration, great visibility, and hardy care requirements — often considered a good “step up” species for keepers who want something impressive but not as delicate as rarer morphs.
