Little Devil Poison Frog

A small, brightly colored dendrobatid frog typically measuring 0.75–1.25 inches (1.9–3.2 cm) in length. Body is compact and robust with relatively short limbs. Dorsal coloration is typically bright red to orange-red, with black markings that vary geographically but typically include black spots, blotches, or reticulations on the dorsal surface. In some populations, the black markings form distinct spots arranged in regular patterns, while in others they appear as irregular blotches or lines. The head is broad with a rounded snout. Skin texture is smooth to slightly granular. A key diagnostic feature is the presence of bright coloration contrasting sharply with black markings, serving as aposematism to warn of the presence of toxic alkaloid skin compounds. The limbs are relatively short and robust. Ventral surface is typically darker than the dorsum, often gray to black, sometimes with orange or red coloration on the undersides of the limbs and abdomen. Females are typically larger and more robust than males. Inhabits the leaf litter, low vegetation, and fallen logs of humid tropical rainforests, particularly in areas near streams and water sources in Central America. Diet consists of small arthropods, particularly mites, ants, and other tiny invertebrates, which are thought to be the source of the frogs' toxic alkaloid compounds.